Kevin De Bruyne has been sidelined with a significant hamstring injury after a recent match with Inter Milan. The Belgian midfielder sustained the injury while scoring a penalty during the 33rd minute of the game, which ended in a 31 victory for Napoli.
Details of the Injury
Immediately after scoring, De Bruyne clutched his right leg and required assistance from Napoli’s medical staff to exit the field. Following the incident, he underwent diagnostic tests at Pineta Grande Hospital.
Diagnosis and Rehabilitation
The tests revealed a highgrade tear of the biceps femoris muscle located in his right thigh. Napoli announced that De Bruyne has already initiated his rehabilitation program. However, no specific timeline has been provided for his return to play.
Implications of the Injury
- De Bruyne is expected to be out for an extended period, with Italian media suggesting he may not return until next year.
- This injury marks his eleventh appearance for Napoli since joining the team on a free transfer.
Background Information
De Bruyne, at 34 years old, previously spent a decade at Manchester City. During his time in the Premier League, he won six league titles, including a treble in 2023 that encompassed the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
His transition to Napoli made him the second player to transfer from Manchester to the Serie A champions in recent seasons, following Scott McTominay. McTominay had joined previously from Manchester United and went on to receive the MVP award in the league.
As Napoli adjusts to De Bruyne’s absence, the team will need to explore alternative strategies to maintain their competitive edge in the league.