De Bruyne & Hazard is likely to lose the Belgian semifinals with Italy, confirms Martinez

Roberto Martinez has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are likely to lose the Belgian semi-finals to Italy.

Hazard and De Bruyne both found Belgium Portugal’s 1-0 victory At the European Championships, 6pm, leaving Martinez to sweat his fitness for the next stage.

The Red Devils boss has now revealed that neither man has been seriously injured, but he is pessimistic about their chances of returning to action in time for Friday’s clash.

What has been said?

“The initial information received by the medical staff is positive for both, they stay on the team and have no structural damage,” Martinez said at the latest press conference.

“But we’re running against time, and it’s very hard to see that they’re perfectly fit. So we have to take it day in and day out trying to make them fit.

“We were all a little worried before we got the news about the scans, and it was a relief to everyone that we could now work on trying to get them fit again.”

Belgium delivered a big blow

Real Madrid star Hazard will be a big defeat for Belgium over the last eight years after appearing in all four of their Euro 2020 games so far, but he is committed to staying in camp and continuing to do his best to support the team as captain.

Thorgan Hazard could now be moved forward to cover his left brother, and Martinez also has Yannick Carrasco who can call, but De Bruyne is much harder to replace.

The Manchester City midfielder has one goal and two assists in his name from his first three matches in euros, and he has undoubtedly been one of the best players in the tournament.

His absence leaves a creative gap for Belgium in early XI as they try to break up a well-organized Italian defense, but Leander Dendoncker could step in again after the Wolves star has made an impact in the opening 3-0 group stage against Russia.

Who could Belgium play in the semi-finals?

If Belgium can overtake Italy, they will be rewarded in the semi-finals equally against either Spain or Switzerland, shock from the tournament so far by hitting world champion France with penalties in the quarterfinals.

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