Manchester City talisman Kevin de Bruyne will be well rested when his side host Liverpool in the Carabao Cup before Christmas after his Belgium side were eliminated from the World Cup.
The Red Devils failed to beat Croatia in their final group game, with former Everton and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku wasting a number of gilt-edged chances as the match ended 0-0 - they lost out to Croatia and surprise table-toppers Morocco. Roberto Martinez confirmed after the result that his contract with Belgium - which ran out when his side were eliminated - would not be renewed, essentially resigning from the role.
Their group stage campaign was surrounded by discontent from the off, with de Bruyne admitting in a shock interview with the Guardian prior to the tournament that his country had 'no chance' of winning the World Cup because they were 'too old' - the average age of last night's starting lineup was 31 years and 95 days. Compatriot Jan Vertonghen sarcastically used the same phrase to detail why the attack - including de Bruyne - were so impotent.
READ MORE: FSG leaning towards 'partial sale' of Liverpool to raise millions for transfers
READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate proves Barcelona manager Xavi right in remarkable 195 minutes
But while the tournament ended in embarrassment for the world's No.2 ranked side, Pep Guardiola and Man City will be somewhat pleased to see their star out early-doors and unscathed. De Bruyne has struggled with several niggling injuries in recent seasons, and those around the Etihad will have been concerned as to how the 31-year-old would cope with playing a World Cup mid-season.
Those fears, however, have been alleviated with de Bruyne set to enjoy three weeks recovery before his side host Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on December 22. Guardiola has already been able to rest Erling Haaland with Norway having failed to qualify for the tournament, although with 16 players in total heading to Qatar, the current Premier League champions have suffered the most.
A total of seven Liverpool players headed to the Middle East towards the end of last month and all have either advanced to the round-of-16, or are likely to do so by the end of play tomorrow. With two at England and Brazil, and one each representing the Netherlands, Uruguay and France, the chances of at least one Red being in the December 18 final are high - they will surely be left out of Klopp's Carabao Cup plans.
READ NEXT
Trent Alexander-Arnold hits back at 'lazy' defensive critics with damning response
Romelu Lukaku sent Divock Origi message after Belgium knocked out of the World Cup
Liverpool transfer boost as Jude Bellingham 'pressure' prompts Real Madrid rethink
Borussia Dortmund chief sends message to 'preferred club' Liverpool over Jude Bellingham transfer
Liverpool conclude investigation into Pep Guardiola allegations during Man City game
