Kevin de Bruyne will miss Belgium's EURO opener against Russia. Image: Xtra Time

Xtra Time Web Desk: World No 1 Belgium will have their task cut out in their EURO 2020 Group B opening fixture against Russia. The Belgians will miss two superstars in the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel, confirmed the team management. Eden Hazard too is not 100 percent fit as claimed by the Real Madrid star.

De Bruyne is still recovering from a fractured nose he suffered while playing for Manchester City in the finals of the Champions League while Witsel has been out of action since January after suffering a torn Achilles while playing for Borussia Dortmund. “Axel Witsel and Kevin De Bruyne did not travel to Russia. They stayed in Tubize to continue their recovery,” Belgium’s official account tweeted.

Belgium will play their first match of Euro 2020 against Russia at Saint Petersburg on Saturday evening.
“The next two days will be really important, just to get de Bruyne back to really being able to move freely and start getting the exercise needed before he can come to the group,” Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said to Goal.com.