Kevin de Bruyne did not travel with the rest of the team to Saint Petersburg for the ‘Red Devils’ debut in this Saturday's European Championship against Russia, as announced by Belgium coach Roberto Martínez. Eden Hazard is with the group, but his physical form makes it doubtful that he will start.
“We decided that he should not travel so that he would have two more days of work,” said Roberto Martínez at the previous press conference at the Petrovski stadium in Saint Petersburg.
The Catalan coach stressed that the Manchester City midfielder had “a very positive day on the grass” on Thursday, but he worked individually. “The next two days will be very important,” he stressed.
De Bruyne suffered a severe blow to the face in the Champions League final against Chelsea (which Stamford Bridge won 0-1). Since then, although he did not have to undergo surgery, the City star has not played a single minute.
Roberto Martínez also confirmed that Axel Witsel (Borussia Dortmund) has not traveled to Russia, but his evolution after the serious injury he suffered in the Achilles tendon is “satisfactory”. “We are very happy with the progress of both players. They are progressing very well and will join the group as soon as we return, ”said the Belgium coach.
On the other hand, the Ocatalán coach was “very happy” with the last two weeks of preparation and admitted that the group is excited about the Eurocup, but not pressured by the fact of leading the FIFA world rankings.
“That doesn't change anything for us. We have more experience. I do not think that we will suffer from the expectations created. We are very well prepared, ”he said.
He also admitted that “the first game is always the hardest” in a tournament of nations. Belgium, third in the last World Cup, is one of the favorites for the final victory in the tournament.