Belgium boss Martinez offers positive De Bruyne injury update

The Man City playmaker’s facial injury had raised fear over his involvement in this summer’s European tournament.

Belgium receive Kevin De Bruyne fitness boost ahead of Euro 2020 as the player’s surgery “went very well, very positively.”

A collision with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger in the Champions League final left De Bruyne with facial injuries. He was forced off the pitch after just an hour of action in Porto, and Manchester City, after losing their primary source of creativity, finished second-best in the European showpiece.

Roberto Martinez was previously unsure when the player would be available for selection for Belgium, who open their Euro campaign in about a weeks’ time by taking on Russia.

After a minor surgery on the fractured nose and eye socket, however, the 29-year-old is ready to get back in the Red Devils’ squad.

“After looking at the images [scans], it was decided that Kevin De Bruyne had to undergo a small operation,” informed Belgium boss Martinez, via MEN.

“It took place this morning and went well. He will join the group on Monday and will be with us for the Euro. It was necessary to intervene for the long term. It is not an intervention which requires a long recovery, it was just to make sure that nothing can happen in the future.

“It was not a deep operation, it took 20 minutes and the medical department is very happy with the success of the operation. It is a decision which was taken in agreement with Manchester City.

“He is fine. He’s in a good state of mind and can’t wait to join us on the pitch on Monday. It is not an operation that prevents you from returning to activity, it is even the opposite.

“It should even give him the opportunity not to need protection to play. And that’s good news. It was done at the right time and this is positive news for the Euro. He will probably not be ready for the game against Russia and we will analyse the situation day by day.”