Kevin De Bruyne’s Long-Term Injury: Set for Return After International Break
Kevin De Bruyne’s absence has been a significant blow to Manchester City this season. The Belgian midfielder, who suffered a serious hamstring injury during the Premier League opener against Burnley in August 2024, has been sidelined ever since. This injury was a recurrence of the issue he had faced at the end of the previous campaign, and the severity of the situation forced City to rule him out for a lengthy recovery period.
Guardiola confirmed after the injury that De Bruyne would be out for at least three to four months, and the club did not rush him back to avoid further complications. As of mid-October 2024, De Bruyne’s recovery is reportedly progressing well, but he will not be available until after the international break. There is still caution around his return, given the recurrence of the injury. His absence has forced Manchester City to rely heavily on other creative outlets like Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva, who have stepped up in his place.
The void left by De Bruyne, often considered one of the best midfielders in world football, is evident in City’s midfield dynamics. His ability to unlock defenses with pinpoint passes and his knack for scoring critical goals have been sorely missed. Despite this, City has remained competitive in both the Premier League and Champions League, largely thanks to the depth of their squad.
With the international break looming, City fans are hopeful that De Bruyne’s return will bring back the flair and dynamism the team has been missing. As City aims to compete on multiple fronts, his return could be the boost they need in the crucial stages of the season