Sports · Football · 40 mins ago
De Bruyne scores for Belgium but raises fitness concerns before Italy match
Belgium beat Turkey 2-1, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring in the win.
The Napoli midfielder said he had not felt well and was not at 100%, after weeks of travel and nights in hotels.
He also said his first 20 minutes were his worst of the season.
An ankle injury added to the concern after a shot was blocked, and he asked for pain relief before leaving the field in the 68th minute.
Belgium coach Mark Van Bommel said the substitution was precautionary because Belgium play Italy on Sunday in Brussels.
De Bruyne had already hurt the ankle in a match against Juventus a couple of weeks earlier, so his fitness remains under watch.
His condition could affect Belgium’s plans against Italy and will also matter to his Napoli team.
Belgium beat Turkey 2-1, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring before being substituted in the 68th minute.
De Bruyne said he had not felt well in recent weeks and was not at 100 percent.
Belgium coach Mark Van Bommel said De Bruyne had pain in his ankle after a shot was blocked and requested pain relief.
Belgium are due to play Italy in Brussels on Sunday, and Van Bommel said he did not want to take unnecessary risks.
- Who
- Belgium beat Turkey, with Kevin De Bruyne and Charles de Ketelaere scoring.
- What
- De Bruyne scored but raised fitness concerns after reporting recent illness and ankle pain.
- When
- The Turkey match took place before Belgium’s scheduled Sunday match against Italy.
- Where
- Belgium beat Turkey in Izmir; the upcoming match against Italy is scheduled for Brussels.
- Why
- De Bruyne said he had not felt well in recent weeks; Van Bommel said he had ankle pain after a blocked shot.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
De Bruyne was forced off at half-time against Juventus after an ankle sprain.
De Bruyne described many trips and nights spent in hotels, and said he had not felt well.
De Bruyne felt pain in his ankle and asked for pain relief.
De Bruyne was substituted as a precaution during Belgium’s 2-1 win over Turkey.
Belgium are scheduled to play Italy in Brussels.
- Turkey match
- Belgium won 2-1
- Scorers
- Kevin De Bruyne and Charles de Ketelaere
- Substitution
- De Bruyne came off in the 68th minute
- Next match
- Belgium vs Italy, scheduled for Sunday in Brussels
- Prior ankle issue
- De Bruyne left the Juventus match at half-time after an ankle sprain
What people are saying
Individually, the first twenty minutes were the worst I have played this season.
In recent weeks I have not felt very well, I was not at 100 percent.
We play again in two days.