Euro 2020: Belgium full-back Timothy Castagne to miss rest of tournament after sustaining eye injury-Sports News , Firstpost

Taken to hospital, Timothy Castagne had tests which revealed a “double eye socket fracture”, according to Belgium coach Roberto Martinez. AFP

Saint Petersburg: Belgium defender Timothy Castagne, who suffered two facial fractures early in the 3-0 victory over Russia at Euro 2020 on Saturday, has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament, coach Roberto Martinez said.

The Leicester full-back clashed heads with Russia’s Daler Kuzyaev in the 26th minute and was replaced by Thomas Meunier, who then starred with a goal and an assist.

Taken to hospital, Castagne had tests which revealed a “double eye socket fracture”, according to Martinez.

It was the 25-year-old’s first major tournament.

But Martinez did say the ankle injury which forced centre-back Jan Vertonghen off late on was “less serious”.

“I caught my studs in the pitch,” said Benfica’s Vertonghen. “I’ve got a history of ankle injuries, so that’s why I always tape my ankles well. It’s going to be fine.”

Belgium were already without Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who suffered facial fractures in his club’s Champions League final loss to Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel for the win over Russia in Saint Petersburg.

Captain Eden Hazard was only fit enough for an 18-minute cameo as a substitute after an injury-hit season with Real Madrid.

Belgium, the world’s top-ranked side, next play Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday before concluding their Group B campaign against Finland in Saint Petersburg on 21 June.