Medical assessments for Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard dominated out any severe accidents, and Belgian coach Roberto Martinez mentioned there was a “50-50” probability they might play in Friday’s European Championship quarter-final match in opposition to Italy.
There had been considerations in regards to the extent of accidents to each gamers after Belgium changed each gamers within the Round of 16 on Sunday within the second half of their 1-0 win over Portugal.
“I can tell that the initial information we have from the medical department is pretty positive for both of them,” Martinez mentioned on Monday.
“Eden and Kevin will be with the team.”
He mentioned not one of the gamers suffered “structural damage”, however cautioned that there might not be sufficient time for them to get better in time to face Italy in Munich. He initially mentioned it might be “very difficult to see him fully fit,” though his progress could be assessed every day.
“We hope to get them fixed very quickly in the next few days,” Martinez mentioned.
“Now, the game is on Friday, so maybe it could be too close.”
De Bruyne, who turned 30 on Monday, suffered a left ankle damage after being tackled from behind by Portugal midfielder Joल्o Palinha in the beginning of the second half on the La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.
Martinez mentioned that De Bruyne is “mentally very strong” and was in a “very good frame of mind”.
“Obviously we were all a little worried before we got the news from this morning’s scans,” Martinez mentioned.
“Now he is relieved, he is very happy that he can be in the camp. We are all happy that we can work with him.”
The Manchester City playmaker was dominated out of the Championship League ultimate after struggling a face damage in a collision with an opponent. He missed Belgium’s first match at Euro 2020.
“I hope he can be fully fit for the next game, because when Kevin de Bruyne is on the pitch, we are a strong team,” Martinez mentioned.
Hazard, who battled accidents with Real Madrid this season, was changed with a hamstring downside late within the sport in opposition to Portugal.
“After today’s images we have seen that there was no structural damage,” Martinez mentioned.
The coach mentioned reserve goalkeeper Simon Mignolet must depart the crew after struggling a knee damage throughout observe earlier than Sunday’s match. He will likely be changed by Blackburn goalkeeper Thomas Kaminsky.
Belgium is attempting to win a significant match for the primary time. The crew completed third within the 2018 World Cup.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
