Belgium head into their second game of the UEFA Euro 2016 group stage needing a win, with FIFA’s second highest ranked country having lost their opening game to Italy. Next up is a clash with Ireland on Saturday, before they wrap it up with a tie with Sweden.
However, the Red Devils may head into this crucial fixture with doubts hanging over the fitness of influential midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, as head coach Marc Wilmots refused to declare the Manchester City star as injury-free ahead of their game at Bordeaux.
De Bruyne was a present figure in the defeat to the Azzurri, playing the full 90 minutes. However, he suffered a hamstring scare and was thus forced to sit out a training session this week. According to Wilmots, the Citizens ace did make his return to training and came out unscathed, but remained coy over the player’s fitness.
"He trained well yesterday, there's no issue," Wilmots revealed, as per Goal. "I spoke to him yesterday. We'll see if he's fit to play."
There have been rumors circulating of discontent in the Belgium camp with Wilmots and his tactics, with De Bruyne believed to be unhappy with the coach’s decision to play him wide instead of down the middle. However, Marc was quick to brush aside those claims.
"I'm not concerned, it's all part of the footballing circus.
"I don't believe players are leaking information. This is a game that goes on behind the scenes but it's not a problem for me.
"I gave my opinion and the players did the same. It's normal to do that at training. I'm the man in charge, I make the decisions."
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