Last season’s treble winner Manchester City have received bad news today regarding the injury update of their captain Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian was subbed off in the season opener against Burnley at Turf Moor last Friday night after just 23 minutes of play.
Now City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that De Bruyne suffered a serious injury and that he may need surgery. If he undergoes surgery, he could be out of action for up to four months.
“It’s a serious injury. We have to decide if he needs surgery or no surgery but he will be out for a few months,” Guardiola said, according to BBC Sport.
He added: “The decision on surgery will be taken in the coming days and could see him miss three or four months.”
De Bruyne also limped off during the Champions League final in Istanbul against Inter Milan last season.
This hamstring injury kept him on the sidelines during City’s preseason tour of Asia and only came in as a second-half substitute during the Community Shield match against Arsenal two weeks ago.
De Bruyne has been integral to Manchester City’s success for the past five years or so and last season alone, he scored 10 goals and provided 31 assists in all competitions as City won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
Guardiola admitted that his absence is a big loss to the club and that it is going to be tough for them.
“I have to say the injury for Kevin is a blow for us. It’s a big loss. Kevin has specific qualities which you can lose for one or two games but, for a long time, it is really tough for us. At the same time you have to look forward, you have alternatives there – of course, different skills, as the skills from Kevin are irreplaceable.” Guardiola said.
Manchester City play Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup in Greece on Wednesday, August 16, and then Newcastle United this Saturday in the Premier League.
