De Bruyne May Miss His First Euro 2020 Game

Kevin De Bruyne (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - Kevin De Bruyne underwent minor surgery on his face on Saturday morning and will rejoin the team on Monday, June 7 next week, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has said.

"We decided that Kevin De Bruyne needed a minor operation, as was done today. He will rejoin the team on Monday," the Spain coach told a news conference ahead of the friendly against Croatia.

The Manchester City playmaker fractured his nose and left eye socket after colliding with Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger during the Champions League final a week ago.

“The operation is necessary for the long term. The operation lasted 20 minutes, and everything went well," Martinez said.

“The operation did not delay Kevin's return. The operation could actually speed up his return because he doesn't need a face shield," he added.

However, he expects De Bruyne to miss their first Euro 2020 game against Russia on June 12. But he cannot predict when the playmaker will return to the field.

Axel Witsel who has been included in the squad, although still recovering from an Achilles tendon injury in January, will also miss the match against Croatia in Brussels on Sunday, June 6.

Meanwhile midfielder Eden Hazard, who is recovering from a thigh injury, will sit on the bench.

"Eden can do almost anything in training. I feel he is fit for tomorrow. He won't start the game, but I think he can finish it," said Martinez.

Hazard, who spent most of the season with Real Madrid, said when he joined the Belgium squad on May 31 he still had some problems with his thigh.

After passing their opening match against Russia, Belgium will play Denmark and Finland in Group B.