Belgium captain Kevin de Bruyne has asked for time off from the national team as the Manchester City playmaker looks to manage his playing time. The 33-year-old has missed City's past four fixtures after sustaining a thigh injury in September's 0-0 draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

Injured captain Kevin De Bruyne will miss Belgium’s Nations League matches against Italy and France this month and has also asked for more time off from the national team, coach Domenico Tedesco said on Friday as he announced his squad.

Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne will miss upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and France due to injury. Coach Domenico Tedesco confirms the midfielder's extended break from international duty.

De Bruyne played both of Belgium's games in the September international break, as they beat Israel 3-1 before losing 2-0 to France in Lyon

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco called up four new players Friday to take on Italy and France in upcoming Nations League matches while leaving out of his squad stalwarts Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruy

Injured captain Kevin De Bruyne will miss Belgium’s Nations League matches against Italy and France this month and has also asked for more time off from the national team, coach

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco named his squad on Friday that will take on Italy and France in the Nations League, with Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne missing out through injury.

Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco has revealed Kevin De Bruyne has already asked to skip November’s international camp as the midfielder continues to monitor his fitness levels. In the midst of a marathon season for Manchester City - which could run for up to 48 weeks - De Bruyne has sat out the last four games with a knock,