Kevin De Bruyne Set to Miss Up to Four Months with Hamstring Injury
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss up to four months of action due to a recurrence of a hamstring injury sustained during the team’s opening game of the Premier League season. The Belgian lasted less than 20 minutes of City’s victory against Burnley at Turf Moor on Friday night.
The 32-year-old was a surprise starter against the Clarets, having spent the majority of pre-season rehabilitating a hamstring strain that he sustained in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. De Bruyne was forced off in Istanbul but he made a quicker-than-expected recovery.
However, City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed the former Chelsea ace could require surgery after sustaining a hamstring tear against Burnley. The City boss said: ‘Kevin de Bruyne’s injury is serious one. He will be out for a few months. We have to decide on surgery but he will be out for a few months.’
The news is a huge blow to Manchester City, who were already without the services of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus due to injury. It also comes as a major setback for De Bruyne himself, who had been in fine form prior to his injury, scoring three goals and providing four assists in his last five appearances for City.
The news of De Bruyne’s injury has been met with dismay by fans and pundits alike, with many expressing their sympathy for the Belgian international. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said: ‘It’s a huge blow for Manchester City and for Kevin De Bruyne himself. He’s been in great form this season and he’ll be sorely missed by the team.’
De Bruyne’s absence could open the door for other players to make an impact at City, with Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva all likely to benefit from increased playing time in his absence.
The news of De Bruyne’s injury is also likely to have an impact on the Premier League title race, with Manchester City now facing an uphill battle to retain their crown without their star man.
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