Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne admitted he was still struggling with pain on his face but claimed that it won’t impact his Euro 2020 performances. De Bruyne said he has lost much of the sensation on the side of his face but played down any concerns that it would negatively affect his form.
Kevin De Bruyne said: “It is just a bit irritating. But I am used to it now. I am also less scared in the heading duels. When I was on the field, I did not think about it anymore. I was not upset with Rudiger, it was one of those things that happens on the field. He tried to block me, not to break my nose, and so it was unlucky for me. The fact that we had such an incredible season with City softened the blow. We tried everything to win, and it did not work out. That’s just part of the way it works in sport. I knew I would not make the first match against Russia but might get some time off the bench against Denmark. I think the timing with 45 minutes (against Denmark) and then starting against Finland is ideal to get some rhythm back. I felt good being back, the first half hour was good. After that it was more difficult, but that was normal because I was playing my first minutes in three weeks. I hope to be able to hold out against Finland for a longer period of time.”
