Kevin De Bruyne suffers facial fractures in Champions League Final, doubtful for Euro 2020

 

The presence of star Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in Euro 2020 has been dealt a heavy blow by the facial fracture he sustained in the final of the Champions League. De Bruyne, who was on the losing end of the final with Manchester City, collided with Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger in the second half and was helped off the pitch on the hour mark.

On the touch line, De Bruyne looked a visibly emotional figure with tears streaming down his face because of the injury and the fact that he couldn’t help his side win the ultimate prize in Europe. The Belgian’s left eye also appeared dark in colour and swollen almost immediately.

De Bruyne cut a frustrating figure all night against Chelsea and could neither create enough solid chances for his side nor get at the end of opportunities. In his absence, Thomas Tuchel’s team faced little problems from Guardiola’s side and held on to the 1-0 lead to lift the second Champions League in their history.

“Just got back from the hospital,” De Bruyne posted on his Twitter account on Sunday.

“My diagnosis is acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back.”

It is still unclear whether Kevin de Bruyne will be able to feature in the upcoming European Championships tournament which begins on June 11. A couple of weeks ago, head coach Roberto Martinez named his final 26-man squad for the Euro 2020. Included among them were the names of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Dries Mertens, Toby Alderweireld and of course, Kevin De Bruyne.

“There are still some games to be played at domestic level, in terms of possible injuries and possible changes, especially in these uncertain times,” Martinez had said while announcing the final squad. “We have got 11 players that will be serving us as stand-by players.”

According to UEFA, the final squad list has to be submitted by June 1.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel is also yet to return from a serious Achilles injury he suffered in January, but Martinez was optimistic about his rehabilitation.

“In the situation of Axel, we need to be very clear we don’t expect anything,” Martinez said. “This is just a reward for what he has done for the national team, and his career, and the good work he has done in the last months. The real decision with Axel Witsel will be on the 11th of June.”