Kevin De Bruyne may have doubts about Manchester City injury (Peter Powell / PA)
Kevin De Bruyne retired from the Belgian national team to face Iceland on Wednesday and returned to Manchester City.
The Royal Belgian Football Association has raised considerations about a physical challenge after replacing the city’s game maker after 73 minutes of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League defeat to England at Wembley.
De Bruyne replaced at the time opposite part of England (Neil Hall / PA)
The 29-year-old will now be assessed as a striker in the Premier League clash between City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
A tweet from the Official Count of the Belgian national team said: “@DeBruyneKev has returned to his club. It doesn’t have enough compatibility to play against Iceland. “
The nature of De Bruyne’s challenge has been specified.
Belgian coach Roberto Martinez downplayed any possible disarray after the 2–1 loss to England, the player had been sent off as a precaution.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an injury, ” said Martinez. “It’s too early to say, there’s a feeling it’s not right, it’s more caution than avoiding (something), it’s not 100%. “