Belgium are due to play Russia in their opening match of the tournament on March 12, and fans and angered Red Devils manager Roberto Martinez had reason to feel hopeful after dynamo De Bruyne publicly declared he was "OK" following his horrific nose and eye socket fracture after being smashed in the face by Antonio Rudiger.

That reassurance has been dashed by former Spartak Moscow and Russia doctor Yuri Vasilkov, who says the brutal blow that forced De Bruyne out in the second half of his side's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea is usually a combat sports injury and could keep the midfielder out until mid-July.

"The eye socket is a very delicate bone," the expert told Championat, assessing the "serious injury" that left De Bruyne howling in pain on the sidelines.

"You saw that a bruise immediately appeared on his face. The central nervous system is nearby, so the eyes are very serious. Kevin de Bruyne will definitely miss the match against the Russian national team.

"Even with all the desire, [he] will not be able to enter the field.

"There are almost no chances to compete at the European Championship with such an unpleasant injury.