Report: De Bruyne sent back to City for treatment on groin injury

Kevin De Bruyne isn't expected to travel for Belgium's friendly in Russia on Tuesday as he's set to return to Manchester City for treatment on a groin issue, reports Sky Sports.

The midfielder wasn't present in the matchday squad but watched from the stands when the Red Devils were only able to earn a last-gasp point Saturday against Greece. It's understood he suffered the injury since joining the national team camp after City's 1-1 home draw with Liverpool last Sunday.

Related: Lukaku's 89th-minute goal saves Belgium in feisty draw with Greece

While the meeting in Sochi is a friendly, De Bruyne's setback comes at a potentially pivotal time in City's season. In the space of four days, Pep Guardiola's throng faces trips to Arsenal and Chelsea as the Eastlands outfit aims to safeguard a spot in the top four.

If De Bruyne can't make those tests, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure could be deployed together in the midfield, with David Silva irreplaceable in a No. 8 role. Fernando, Aleix Garcia, and forgotten man Fabian Delph will also hope for inclusion.