Kevin De Bruyne provides update on his facial injury

Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne says the facial injury he picked up in the Champions League final no longer affects his game and that he doesn't hold a grudge against Antonio Rudiger for causing the knock.

The Manchester City man was forced to undergo minor surgery after his collision with Rudiger left him with a fractured nose and eye socket.

De Bruyne recently revealed it would be six months before he was back to full health, yet he's now claimed the injury isn't impacting his performances and that it wasn't playing on his mind when he made his sensational return in Belgium's win over Denmark.

“It is just a bit irritating," he told reporters (via The Irish Times) “But I am used to it now. I am also less scared in the heading duels. When I was on the field, I did not think about it anymore.”

Rudiger came under heavy criticism for his part in the collision which caused De Bruyne's injury after stepping into the path of the Belgian and causing him to crash into his shoulder.

However, De Bruyne bears no malice towards the Chelsea man and says collisions like that are just part and parcel of the game.

“I was not upset with Rudiger, it was one of those things that happens on the field," he said. "He tried to block me, not to break my nose, and so it was unlucky for me.”

De Bruyne was afforded 45 minutes in Belgium's game against Denmark on Thursday and he made an immediate impact as he grabbed a goal and an assists to help maintain his side's 100% record at Euro 2020 so far.

The midfielder admitted the final 15 minutes of his comeback were a struggle having been out for so long but he's hoping to continue his quest for match fitness against Finland on Monday night.

“I knew I would not make the first match against Russia but might get some time off the bench against Denmark," he added. "I think the timing with 45 minutes [against Denmark] and then starting against Finland is ideal to get some rhythm back.

“I felt good being back, the first half hour was good. After that it was more difficult, but that was normal because I was playing my first minutes in three weeks. I hope to be able to hold out against Finland for a longer period of time."