Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will undergo a scan on Monday to determine the severity of the hamstring injury he sustained during the team’s match against Burnley. The 32-year-old player was substituted in the first half of City’s Premier League opener, and manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that it was a recurrence of the same issue that forced De Bruyne to be withdrawn early in the Champions League final in June.
“He was injured again unfortunately,” Guardiola said after City’s 3-0 win against Burnley. “It is the same place and position as the Champions League (final) and he will be out for a while. He recovered well (after that injury) but now we’ve lost him again. It’s time to reflect, to talk to the doctors about what happened with him. He has to relax and recover and come back. He was feeling really good and playing really good in the first minutes, but unfortunately, now he’s injured again.”
De Bruyne had made a comeback as a second-half substitute last weekend when City faced Arsenal in the Community Shield but was unable to prevent his team from losing on penalties. This match marked his return after sustaining the injury in the Champions League final. Although De Bruyne traveled with City for their pre-season tour of Asia, he did not feature in any matches.
Last season, De Bruyne played a crucial role in City’s treble-winning team, appearing in 49 matches across all competitions and contributing 10 goals and 31 assists. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
City’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday when they face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup. Following that, they will return to Premier League action on Saturday with a home game against Newcastle United.
The injury to De Bruyne raises concerns for City, as he is an integral part of their midfield and has consistently delivered exceptional performances. His absence will require Guardiola to make adjustments to the team’s tactics and find suitable replacements to fill the void left by the Belgian international.
The scan on Monday will provide a clearer picture of the extent of De Bruyne’s injury and the estimated time he will be sidelined. The medical team will work closely with him to develop a rehabilitation plan and ensure his full recovery before he returns to the pitch.
In the meantime, City will need to rely on their squad depth and the skills of other midfielders to maintain their strong start to the season. Players like Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden will likely be called upon to step up and fill the creative void left by De Bruyne’s absence.
The injury setback serves as a reminder of the physical demands and risks that professional footballers face. It also highlights the importance of proper rest, recovery, and injury prevention strategies to ensure players can perform at their best and avoid recurring injuries.
As City continues their campaign in various competitions, including the Premier League and Champions League, Guardiola will need to carefully manage his squad to prevent further injuries and maintain the team’s competitiveness.
In conclusion, Kevin De Bruyne’s hamstring injury is a significant blow for Manchester City. The midfielder’s absence will be felt both on and off the pitch, as he is a key player in the team’s success. The scan on Monday will provide more information about the injury’s severity and the expected recovery timeline. City will need to adapt their tactics and rely on other players to fill the void left by De Bruyne’s absence. Guardiola’s management skills will be put to the test as he navigates through this challenging period and ensures the team remains competitive in all competitions.