Pep Guardiola has revealed Manchester City and Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is expected to be sidelined for at least “three to four months”.
The Spanish tactician who wished he didn’t start De Bruyne on Friday, August 11, also revealed that the Belgium international might require surgery as a result of his ongoing hamstring problems.
De Bruyne was replaced after 23 minutes of the 2023-2024 Premier League opener against newly promoted Burnley. In his absence, the reigning Premier League champions beat the Championship winners 3-0 at Etihad Stadium.
Recall that Kevin De Bruyne also sustained a hamstring injury in the first half of the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan last season. In his absence, Rodri stepped up to give City a 1-0 win over the Italian team.
The 32-year-old Belgium international also suffered the same condition in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea. His absence helped the Blues to a 1-0 victory over City.
Unfortunately for Kevin De Bruyne, he started the 2023-2024 season with the same issue and might have to undergo surgery to solve the hamstring problems in days.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola said: “We have to decide if it’s surgery or not surgery but he will be out for a few months. It will be decided in the next few days.
“Surgery is surgery. He will be out for three or four months.
“The injury for Kevin is a sore blow for us. But at the same time, we have to look forward. The skills of Kevin are irreplaceable but it’s an opportunity for others and I’m sure they will take it.”
