Roberto Martinez hands Pep Guardiola major Kevin De Bruyne boost ahead of treble run-in

Roberto Martinez’s decision to leave Kevin De Bruyne out of the Belgium squad has handed Manchester City a huge boost in the hectic title run-in. The midfield maestro – who has 88 caps for his national team – has been left at home for Belgium’s upcoming friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Burkina Faso.

That means De Bruyne has been given a handy two-week break ahead of the crucial run-in. It’s a break that will give Pep Guardiola a huge boost. His City side are still fighting on three fronts, with the opportunity to capture a historic treble still a distinct possibility.

De Bruyne will be key in any success the Blues do achieve, and he’s shown glimpses recently of why the 30-year-old was voted PFA Player of the Year two seasons running – scoring vital goals at vital times. Everybody knows the midfielder loves a goal against Chelsea and so there was no surprise when he picked the ball up around the halfway line, skipped past the challenge of N'Golo Kante and won his side all three points with a deft finish back in January.

READ MORE:Wembley to host Man City vs Liverpool FA Cup tie as travel plans confirmed

More recently, De Bruyne scored an excellent brace in the Manchester derby to put City’s local rivals to the sword and recover well from defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. City’s hectic April – which includes double-headers with Liverpool and Atletico Madrid – will require players to step up and fire the club towards major silverware. De Bruyne has done that in the past and will be looking to do so again.

Not long ago certain sections of the City fanbase were growing increasingly worried about the Belgian’s performances. His niggling ankle issues following a hefty challenge in a Euro 2020 last-16 tie against