Belgium manager Roberto Martinez confirms Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne don’t have serious injuries, but they ‘won’t be fully fit for Friday’ against Italy.
The teams meet in Munich on Friday for the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, but both the Real Madrid and Manchester City man limped off during the 1-0 win over Portugal last night.
Tests today showed Hazard has a muscular issue and De Bruyne an ankle sprain, but no serious lesions, although the odds of seeing them start against Italy are slim.
“It’s quite positive for us. Eden and Kevin have no structural damage, so they will remain with the squad,” said Martinez in his press conference.
“Hazard felt pain in the femoral bicep after an impact injury, but it’s not serious. De Bruyne got a knock to the ankle and felt pain on the ligament.
“We won’t get them fully fit for Friday, but they will be fit to play in the next phase of the competition. We have to take it one day at a time and see what happens. At the moment, it’s 50-50 and perhaps time is not on our side to get them ready for the next match.”
Martinez also praised Italy, who are unbeaten in 31 official matches, even though they needed extra time to beat Austria in the Round of 16.
“We are talking about a balanced team, because you don’t get those kinds of numbers if you are not a very good side. They are different, dynamic, modern in their 4-3-3 and with a strong structure. They are stronger as a unit than a group of individuals.
“We’ll have to defend well, but also try to keep the ball, as they are good at counter-attacking too. We have beaten the reigning Euro champions in Portugal, so we are ready to face Italy.”