Kevin De Bruyne is in line to start Belgium’s European Championship quarter-final against Italy on Friday night, while teammate Eden Hazard’s inclusion will be a “last-minute” decision.
The pair were forced off due to injury in the Red Devils’ 16 victory over Portugal. De Bruyne was taken off three minutes into the second half with what has now been confirmed as ankle ligaments in bruises after a challenge from Joao Palhinha, while Hazard came off three minutes before full-time with a draw.
Two of Belgium’s most important players / Isosport / MB Media / Getty Images
Speaking about the suitability of two of his key players at a press conference, Belgian boss Roberto Martinez, quoted by Sky Sports, said: “We all know we are fighting against time. We will wait until the last minute to make that decision.
“We’ll see tomorrow if they can join or not,” said the Spaniard. “Unfortunately, we are currently unable to make a decision.”
However, it has since been revealed by Sky Sports Italy’s Angelo Mangainte via Twitter that De Bruyne will be able to face Italy and stand in line to start the match.
De Bruyne will start the match against Italy. @SkySport #ITABEL # EURO2020 # SkyEuro2020
– Angelo Mangiante (@angelomangiante) July 1, 2021
The Manchester City star’s presence on the side is a huge boost for Martinez. After missing his opening match due to a facial injury he suffered in the Champions League final, De Bruyne returned to score and assist in the Red Devils’ 2-1 comeback victory against Denmark, before beating Romelu Lukaku in Belgium’s 2-0 victory Finland.
Meanwhile, Martinez hopes Hazard’s last-minute fitness test will yield a positive result. Real Madrid’s winger endured a domestic campaign that suffered injuries and played only 14 La Liga matches, but has entered this summer’s European Championship and is showing better form and playing in all of Belgium’s four matches so far.
The Red Devils’ fifth match of the tournament is a match-up with other favorites Italy, who can boast an even better form than Belgium who enter Euro 2020. The prize at stake is a place in the last four of the European Championships, and a second consecutive semifinal appearance at a major tournament for Martinez’s men.
