Sports Pundit
Football

Belgium Upbeat on KDB Availability, Hazard Maybe

Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium during the UEFA EURO 2020, Round of 16 football match between Belgium and Portugal
Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium during the UEFA EURO 2020, Round of 16 football match between Belgium and Portugal

Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard may actually be fit to play in Belgium’s Euro 2020 quarter-final against Italy in Munich despite injury concerns.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez offered a hint on Thursday, having said earlier in the week that the pair were both unavailable to face the Azzurri.

De Bruyne suffered an ankle injury in the 1-0 win over Portugal, replaced early in the second half, while Hazard limped off with a hamstring issue, but both have flown with the squad to Munich.

“They couldn’t train with the group yet,” Martinez said on Thursday. “But it’s been another 24 hours and it’s been positive.

“Every day that goes by, we see an improvement. We know we are fighting against time. We will take until the last minute (to decide).

“We are in tournament mode and by being with the team here, we are trying to get them fit as quickly as we can.

“That’s not being arrogant. We’re just trying to see if we can get them fit for the next few games.

“It will be difficult in Eden’s case with a soft tissue injury, and maybe Kevin is a little bit different.”

Italy boss Roberto Mancini remained in limbo about the duo’s availability, creating an additional headache for his side who have won all four matches they’ve played at Euro 2020.

“Belgium are a brilliant team and we are performing well, and for the spectators it would be great to see them at full strength,” he said.

“Hazard and De Bruyne would cause us more problems because of that, but that’s what is great about football.”

The Belgian pair’s availability will likely impact betting, when teams are announced one hour before kick-off, with Italy currently slightly ahead as the favourites.