Belgium manager reveals Kevin De Bruyne asked to skip upcoming international camp amid fitness concern

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, a number that will extend this weekend when the Premier League champions host Fulham.

Pep Guardiola confirmed earlier this week that De Bruyne will not be back until after the October international break due to the injury, but it seems he might not feature at international level again this year.

“I had a long phone conversation with Kevin. He has an injury, but he is very motivated to continue with the Red Devils and to play the World Cup in 2026," Tedesco said.

"He has asked to skip this camp and also November, to be able to take care of his body. The schedule has become even busier due to the World Cup for clubs. That is why he is not there now and in November. But when it really counts - the World Cup - he will be there

“Kevin is a big player, but also a big personality,” the Belgium boss continued. “We talked after what happened in the last match.

“Of course he was emotional, he always wants to win. But he never mentioned names in the media. We just have to deal with it. In the media it has become a big item, just because it was Kevin who said it. But in the dressing room it is not a big topic.”

The news comes after De Bruyne appeared to tell technical director Frank Vercauteren that he ‘quit’ after September’s 2-0 loss to France while he also criticised his team-mates. “If you can't handle the top, you're not good enough,” he told reporters.

The 33-year-old also instructed the Belgian players to stop applauding fans after a 0-0 draw against Ukraine at last summer’s Euros, while supporters were booing the team. The Belgium captain was also jeered by fans after the game when he was announced as player of the match.