Manchester City’s influential midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury, according to manager Pep Guardiola. The 32-year-old playmaker was forced off the pitch in the 23rd minute of City’s recent Premier League victory over Burnley, exacerbating an existing issue he had encountered during the Champions League final against Inter Milan in June.
De Bruyne’s preseason preparations were hampered as he didn’t feature in any matches. However, he made a brief appearance as a substitute in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. Despite his lack of game time, the Belgian international was selected as the captain for City’s opening Premier League clash against Burnley.
Unfortunately, De Bruyne’s return to competitive action was short-lived, as he suffered another setback midway through the first half and had to leave the field. Guardiola’s post-match update revealed that De Bruyne will require surgery and is expected to be sidelined for a period of approximately four months.
The news comes as a blow to Manchester City, as De Bruyne has been a vital cog in their midfield, playing a pivotal role in their recent successes. With his absence, Guardiola will have to find alternative solutions to fill the void left by the dynamic playmaker.
While the loss of De Bruyne is undoubtedly significant, Manchester City boasts a talented and deep squad, enabling them to overcome such challenges. Guardiola will likely shuffle his options and provide valuable minutes to other midfielders, ensuring the team’s continued competitiveness.
The focus now shifts to De Bruyne’s recovery process, with the player and the medical team working diligently to ensure a swift and complete rehabilitation. Although the timeframe for his return seems lengthy, it is crucial that the midfielder takes the necessary time to fully recover and avoid any setbacks.