In Pics: Belgium gear up for their EURO 2020 opener against Russia

Belgium football team is preparing for their opening match of the UEFA EURO 2020 against Russia, which is set to take place on Sunday (June 13) at 12:30 AM IST at Krestovsky Stadium. However, star players Kevin de Bruyne along with Axel Witsel will miss Belgium's opening match, the team management has confirmed.

De Bruyne is still recovering from a fractured nose he suffered while playing for Manchester City in the finals of the Champions League while Witsel has been out of action since January after suffering a torn Achilles while playing for Borussia Dortmund.

"Axel Witsel and Kevin De Bruyne did not travel to Russia. They stayed in Tubize to continue their recovery," Belgium's official account tweeted.

"The next two days will be really important, just to get de Bruyne back to really being able to move freely and start getting the exercise needed before he can come to the group," Goal.com quoted Belgium manager Roberto Martinez as saying.

The 29-year-old de Bruyne had suffered facial injuries during the Champions League final against Chelsea. He had suffered a nose bone and left orbital fracture during his side's 0-1 defeat against Chelsea in the Champions League final.