Emmanuel Ochayi
In a shocking development, Manchester City’s star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, is set to be sidelined for an extended period following a severe hamstring injury.
The club’s manager Pep Guardiola, confirmed that the injury is more serious than initially thought, with De Bruyne facing “a few months out” from competitive action.
The 32-year-old had already been dealing with hamstring issues, as he was forced off during the Champions League final against Inter Milan in June and subsequently missed the entirety of the pre-season.
De Bruyne’s return to the pitch in recent matches gave fans a glimmer of hope, but it was short-lived. The Belgian playmaker, who captained the team in the Premier League opener against Burnley, lasted only 23 minutes before signaling to the bench that he had experienced discomfort.
Guardiola, speaking ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla, expressed the gravity of the situation. “It’s a serious injury. We have to decide surgery or not surgery, but a few months out,” he revealed, underlining the difficult decision that the club faces.
The manager’s frustration was evident when discussing the circumstances that led to De Bruyne’s setback. Guardiola highlighted the truncated pre-season schedule following City’s triumphant treble-winning campaign as a factor that might have contributed to the injury. “Give me 25 days of preparation, and you will not be injured,” he lamented. Guardiola’s remarks pointed to the challenges of managing players’ fitness after a demanding season.
While De Bruyne’s absence is a major blow for Manchester City, Guardiola remains hopeful about the team’s prospects. The decision regarding surgery is imminent, and it could potentially keep the midfielder out of action for “three or four months,” according to Guardiola’s assessment.
City’s immediate plans and potential replacements for De Bruyne are currently under review. Guardiola indicated that discussions with the club’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, are on the horizon as they assess the available options.
The football world watches with bated breath as Manchester City navigates this setback and prepares to tackle the challenges posed by De Bruyne’s absence in the coming months.
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