KEVIN DE BRUYNE will be fit to play for Belgium at Euro 2020, according to boss Roberto Martinez.
The attacking midfielder’s participation looked doubtful, after being forced off in the Champions League final having been body checked by Antonio Rudiger.
4
4
De Bruyne, 29, suffered an orbital fracture to his left eye socket and was in tears as he exited the pitch.
But following a successful operation he may be able to participate in this summer’s Euros without even needing to wear a protective mask.
Martinez, 47, said: “After looking at the images it was decided that Kevin had to undergo a small operation.
“The operation took place this morning and it went well. He will join the group on Monday and will be with us for the Euros.
“It was a necessary intervention to secure the structure of the eye socket in the long term.
“It is not an operation that requires a long recovery, it was just to make sure that there are no issues later down the line.
“It only took 20 minutes and the medical department is very happy with the success of the operation. The decision was taken in agreement with Manchester City.”
Martinez then revealed that De Bruyne will return to training on Monday, but may miss out on Belgium’s Euro 2020 opener against Russia on Saturday.
4
He added: “Kevin is doing well. He’s in a good state of mind and can’t wait to join us on the pitch on Monday.
“It is not an operation that prevents you from returning to activity or needs recovery time, it is actually the opposite. It should even give him the opportunity to play without the need for protection.
“And that’s the good news. It was done at the right time and this is positive news for the Euros.
“But he probably will not be ready for the first game against Russia and we will need to analyse the situation on a day-by-day basis.”
4
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
