The Red Devils playmaker tried continuing after being on the receiving end of an illegal challenge but realized he was in no condition to do so.
Kevin De Bruyne was forced off early in the second half of Belgium’s clash with Portugal in Euro 2020 last 16.
De Bruyne immediately dropped to the ground following a badly timed tackle by Joao Palhinha, who made an unsuccessful attempt at preventing him from initiating a Belgium counter-attack.
The referee allowed play to continue but came back to caution Palhinha for his cynical efforts.
De Bruyne, meanwhile, required treatment by the medical team for a minute or so before being able to get back on his feet.
The Manchester City man tried to continue in the second half but quickly realized he was in no condition to do so suffering. He was replaced by Dries Mertens at minute 48 after sustaining what appeared to be an ankle injury.
Belgium will be hoping De Bruyne, the primary source of creativity in their team, hasn’t picked up a problem serious enough that could force him to miss their next match.
Roberto Martinez’s men, who claimed a narrow 1-0 win over defending champions Portugal, lock horns with Italy up next in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
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