Belgium boss Roberto Martinez says he is confident that Kevin de Bruyne will soon be back in action for club and country.
The Manchester City midfielder was expected to be out of action for three months after injuring his right knee last month.
Physically he's got that natural gift of being able to heal quicker than other players.
Roberto Martinez
However, his international manager expects him back sooner than that. Speaking to reporters in London he said: "The issue is how long he will be out and the reports are very positive.
"I think we'll see him on the pitch a lot earlier than other players would take with that injury [and] we think he could be even fresher after his period away.
"No time scale yet but Kevin wants to be on the football pitch as quick as he can and physically he's got that natural gift of being able to heal quicker than other players."
The comments from Martinez follow those of De Bruyne himself who said last week that his recovery was going well. He estimated his return to be between three and five weeks away and therefore he could return for City after the international break next month.
De Bruyne was City's player of the year last season as they cruised to the Premier League title. He was also instrumental in his country's run in the World Cup 2018.
Belgium reached the semi-finals of the tournament in Russia, beating England in the third-place playoff.
City, in the midfielder's absence, have made a good start to the new Premier League season. They are second in the table, two points behind Liverpool the only team who have a 100% record after the first six games of the new campaign.
City travel to League One Oxford in the EFL Cup this week before hosting Brighton in the Premier League next Saturday.
City, 8/11 to retain their league title, are 1/14 to beat Brighton who are 22/1 with the draw 10/1.
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Belgium boss Roberto Martinez says he is confident that Kevin de Bruyne will soon be back in action for club and country.
The Manchester City midfielder was expected to be out of action for three months after injuring his right knee last month.
Physically he's got that natural gift of being able to heal quicker than other players.
Roberto Martinez
However, his international manager expects him back sooner than that. Speaking to reporters in London he said: "The issue is how long he will be out and the reports are very positive.
"I think we'll see him on the pitch a lot earlier than other players would take with that injury [and] we think he could be even fresher after his period away.
"No time scale yet but Kevin wants to be on the football pitch as quick as he can and physically he's got that natural gift of being able to heal quicker than other players."
The comments from Martinez follow those of De Bruyne himself who said last week that his recovery was going well. He estimated his return to be between three and five weeks away and therefore he could return for City after the international break next month.
De Bruyne was City's player of the year last season as they cruised to the Premier League title. He was also instrumental in his country's run in the World Cup 2018.
Belgium reached the semi-finals of the tournament in Russia, beating England in the third-place playoff.
City, in the midfielder's absence, have made a good start to the new Premier League season. They are second in the table, two points behind Liverpool the only team who have a 100% record after the first six games of the new campaign.
City travel to League One Oxford in the EFL Cup this week before hosting Brighton in the Premier League next Saturday.
City, 8/11 to retain their league title, are 1/14 to beat Brighton who are 22/1 with the draw 10/1.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com