Man City star De Bruyne requests to skip Belgium camp

The Manchester City playmaker is seeking to carefully manage his time on the field following a demanding football schedule that has led to fatigue and injuries among many players, including himself.

The 33-year-old has missed City's past four fixtures after he picked up a thigh injury in September's 0-0 draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League and now Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco says that he will get an extra few weeks off as he asks to miss international duty. 

"I had a long phone conversation with Kevin.” said Tedesco. 

"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." 

His City teammate Rodri spoke out about a potential players strike after concerns over player welfare and as more and more top players like De Bruyne succumb to injuries the closer the strike will get.