The Belgian duo got subbed off during the win against Portugal in the round of 16.
Belgium cruised to the last eight of Euro 2020 after edging out defending champions Portugal.
However, on the downside, superstars Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard got subbed off after picking up injuries.
The Belgian manager had a dilemma whether the duo would be fit to start against Italy in the quarter-finals. He has a huge task in hand to make his side ready for Mancini’s Italy without his creative duo.
Initial reactions from Hazard and de Bruyne
De Bruyne was the first to leave the field after what looked like an ankle injury, with Portugal’s Joao Palhinha making a hard tackle. The Manchester City star then indicated to the dugout that he needs to be replaced, and finally, Dries Mertens came in as his replacement.
Hazard followed De Bruyne by getting substituted after an apparent injury, with the player himself admitting the discomfort.
Hazard said: “I hurt myself; I felt something in the hamstring.”
“I think I have something; we’ll see tomorrow. We will analyse the injury well; we will see the extent afterwards.
As captain, I will stay with the group because I have an important role to play.”
Belgian coach Martinez said: “With Kevin, it’s the ankle – he couldn’t really turn in the second half. With Eden, it’s the muscle, but we have to wait for a diagnosis.”
Good and Bad news for Belgium
Martinez later confirmed that de Bruyne might not feature against Italy but should be fit for their subsequent matches if they can overcome Italy’s challenge.
Martinez said, “It’s quite positive for us. Eden and Kevin have no structural damage. They will remain with the squad.
“We won’t get them fully fit for Friday. In the next phase, they will be fit to play. We take it day by day.”
The star duo faces a race against the time to be fit to play for their country in Euro 2020. If they do not feature in playing eleven against Italy, the Red Devils will suffer a blow, and it will be a clear advantage for Italy.
Both the players were sparingly used in the group stages, as Martinez wanted to ensure their availability during the knock-out phase.
De Bruyne has made an immediate impact in Euros this season, racking up a goal and two assists in the group stage. Hazard has been slowly returning to his best after gaining fitness but got hit by yet another injury setback.
