Belgium manager Roberto Martinez confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne suffered an ankle knock, while Eden Hazard sustained a muscle injury in the 1-0 win over Portugal on Sunday night.
A Thorgan Hazard goal saw Belgium make their way into the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, where they will meet Italy, but it came at a price, with two of their best players limping out of the match.
De Bruyne lasted just three minutes of the second half before being taken off after a heavy tackle, while Hazard pulled up holding his hamstring late on, immediately signalling that he needed to be substituted.
Martinez was not ready to rule either man in or out of Friday’s clash with Italy, although Hazard’s issue certainly sounds and looks worse than De Bruyne’s.
‘It’s too early to say how they are doing,’ Martinez said after the game.
‘With Kevin, it’s the ankle – he couldn’t really turn in the second half. With Eden it’s the muscle, but we have to wait for a diagnosis.’
Belgium goalkeeper Thibault Courtois was happy to offer a prognosis for Hazard, predicting that he will not take to the field again this tournament.
‘I think the Euros for Eden is over, he will not play anymore,’ said the ‘keeper.
Belgium meet Italy in Munich on Friday night so De Bruyne has five days to try and recover from the pain in his ankle.
The Manchester City superstar was on the field at the end of the game, celebrating with his teammates, which may well be a good sign, but his heavily strapped and iced ankle was clearly giving him problems.
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