Injured De Bruyne left out of Belgium squad

Kevin de Bruyne has won 99 caps for Belgium

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has not been included in the Belgium squad for friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and England this month because of a groin strain.

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco said De Bruyne has struggled with the injury "for the last few matches".

"We can't take a risk now and certainly not with Kevin," he said.

"It is better to give him time to recover well at City and then have him ready for the European Championship."

Belgium face the Republic in Dublin on 23 March and England at Wembley on 26 March.

City meet Newcastle United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday and Premier League leaders on 31 March.

De Bruyne missed the first five months of the season with a hamstring injury before returning in January.

"I don't know if there is a connection to his hamstring injury," said Tedesco.

"Yesterday I spoke to the doctor and Kevin and we decided the risk is too great. It is our responsibility to take into account the player but also the player's club."

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