Belgium captain Kevin de Bruyne has requested time off from the national team to manage his playing commitments effectively. The Manchester City midfielder has been sidelined for the last four matches due to a thigh injury sustained during a Champions League clash against Inter Milan in September. As he aims for a return to action by mid-October, De Bruyne was initially expected to miss Belgium's upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and France later this month.
Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco confirmed that De Bruyne has asked to sit out not only the October matches but also the November games against Italy and Israel. Tedesco explained that their conversation highlighted De Bruyne's need to prioritize his physical health, especially given the increasing demands of the football calendar.
The busy schedule has been exacerbated by the addition of the World Cup for clubs, prompting De Bruyne to prioritize recovery. Tedesco reassured fans that although De Bruyne will be absent for these upcoming matches, he is focused on being available for critical competitions, particularly the World Cup.
Despite raising concerns about his international future after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to France on September 9, Tedesco emphasized De Bruyne's commitment to the national team. "He has an injury, but he is very motivated to continue with the Red Devils and to play in the World Cup in 2026," Tedesco affirmed, reflecting the midfielder's dedication to his country.
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