Pep Guardiola has backed Kevin De Bruyne's decision to take a break from international football.
Manchester City star De Bruyne has asked for time off from Belgium duty in both October and November, so he can manage his schedule better. De Bruyne has missed City's last four games with a pelvic problem and will not be in the squad for Saturday's visit of Fulham.
The midfielder is desperate to work on getting fit again, and his self-imposed international exile comes just weeks after team-mate Rodri revealed players will go on strike if the football calendar is not reduced.
De Bruyne missed five months of last season with a ruptured hamstring, and Guardiola reckons the 33-year-old has made the right decision. He said: "He knows his body, everybody knows it.
"From experience, long injuries, after them you have to be careful. He had surgery and was five months out. When that happens, the body becomes unbalanced. He cannot play every three days. He decides for himself (what is best) and people have to understand it.
"They are humans, with many years injured. The consequences are here. How can he go (with Belgium) when he hasn't played one game. I never understood that. He cannot play with us, so he cannot play with Belgium."
Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco granted De Bruyne's request following a talk with his star player. Tedesco said: "I had a long phone conversation with Kevin. He has asked to skip this camp and also November, to be able to take care of his body.
"The schedule has become even busier due to the World Cup for clubs. That is why he is not there now and in November. But when it really counts - the World Cup - he will be there."
The visit of Fulham will see Kyle Walker make the 400th Premier League appearance of his long career. Walker struggled to find his best form during England's run to the final of Euro 2024 in the summer, and was left out of the last Three Lions squad.
But he has been recalled for the October internationals, and Guardiola admits the 34-year-old remains as important to him as ever. He added: "He has to play, like I said many times.
"The players here that have been seven, eight years together, they demand to play, because of what they have done in the past. That is part of history, so perform well right now. This is all that counts."