Kevin De Bruyne accepts defeat in the battle to protect players

Kevin De Bruyne fears football’s rules will continue to ignore the welfare of players, as he prepares for another marathon season for club and country.

The Manchester City star’s appearance in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Wales was his 52nd of the 2021-22 campaign, and he could play about 80 next term if City perform well at home and abroad, and Belgium go close in the World Cup.

De Bruyne recently described the Nations League as ‘unimportant’ and highlighted the lack of rest for top players, which he estimated would amount to three weeks in 12 months.

‘I know nothing is going to change,’ he said. ‘I have played three games at the top of my physical level in the Nations League for Belgium so physically I am fine. But it just doesn't make any sense.

‘You are never going to play 79, 80 games. It's not possible. 

'But it's not only playing games, it's the training, it's the travelling, it's everything. Sometimes you go away and travel but you do not play. It's even exhausting.

‘With the Nations League, I can understand why you want to eliminate the friendly games but sometimes it is also a good chance for other players to get an opportunity.

‘I feel playing the Nations League for a lot of countries gives less opportunity (to fringe players) because the tournament feels a little bit more important than it actually is. Then maybe other guys can get a break.’

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez confirmed De Bruyne would not travel to Poland for the Red Devils’ final game of this tranche of matches.