Kevin de Bruyne: Manchester City midfielder to join Belgium's Euro 2020 squad on Monday after surgery

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Kevin de Bruyne (right) celebrates with Toby AlderweireldImage source, Getty Images
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Kevin de Bruyne (right) has scored 21 goals and assisted 38 more in 80 games for Belgium

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Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has had minor surgery on his facial injury and will join the Belgium squad on Monday.

The Manchester City man, 29, fractured his nose and left eye socket in a clash with Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger in last Saturday's Champions League final.

Belgium meet Russia in their Euro 2020 opener on 12 June before facing Denmark (17 June) and Finland (21 June).

"The operation only took 20 minutes," said Belgium coach Roberto Martinez. "It went very well, very positively."

Belgium are the world's top-ranked team and De Bruyne is set to be a key player in their bid for a first major title.

"That small intervention was necessary with a view to the long term," Martinez added. "He will not need a long recovery.

"The medical staff are satisfied with the result. We are looking forward to Monday when he will join our squad."

Belgium's final warm-up game is at home to Croatia on Sunday following a 1-1 in Thursday's friendly with Greece. Croatia were also held 1-1, by Andorra on Tuesday.

"We have to show that we have taken a step forward in the preparation," said Martinez. "We are facing a strong team, with a lot of experience and technical qualities in midfield.

"We are going to have to be sharp and concentrated. It is a test for the group stage of the European Championship, and this is a match we need."

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