Man City ace De Bruyne: I've had to avoid heading in Belgium training | OneFootball

Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne admits he's avoided heading the ball in training as he prepares for his first start since last month's Champions League final which left him with an acute nose bone fracture and damaged eye socket.

De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel, who all began Euro 2020 on the sidelines, will be included in Roberto Martinez's team for Belgium's final group game against Finland on Monday having already qualified after wins against Russia and Denmark.

De Bruyne acknowledges his preparations have been different after Antonio Rudiger's bodycheck forced him out of Manchester City's defeat by Chelsea.

"The doctors and coaches know I broke my nose and had a bit of a concussion so we are just careful," revealed De Bruyne about his cautious training regime.

"I still have very little feeling on my left side. It is annoying but OK, I've got used to it. In the beginning, I was scared to go into confrontations but once a match starts I am so concentrated I don't think about it.

"I knew from the moment it happened, I couldn't make the first match of the Euros. The coach told me he wanted me to be a sub against Denmark and then get rhythm by starting against Finland. It's ideal for me.

"I'm not angry with Rudiger. I know he wanted to block me but he didn't want to hurt me so I don't have a problem with it. He sent me a message after the match, I responded and that is long gone."