The Citizens incurred a massive blow in their first game of the 2023/24 Premier League season, which has the potential to hamper their chances of retaining the title.
Kevin De Bruyne sustained a hamstring injury against Burnley on Friday, August 11, 2023, and days later, he has traveled to Belgium to undergo surgery.
De Bruyne has overtime battled hamstring problems and this present injury is the latest in that unfortunate list.
It was revealed that an operation would be the best bet for the Belgian, despite the possibility that he could be out until early part of 2024.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed that a final decision will be made in the coming days.
However, all the top medical professionals the Etihad Club has spoken to maintain the same stance.
Kevin De Bruyne has returned to his home country and he should undergo surgery in no distant time, with all parties having a consensus that there is no reason to delay it.
This indicates that De Bruyne should be out of action for about 3 months or maybe even further, and this puts Manchester City in a precarious situation.
Pep Guardiola’s update on Kevin De Bruyne’s injury
Before City’s Super Cup triumph over Sevilla, Pep Guardiola had his say on the transcendent midfielder.
Guardiola said: “It’s serious, the injury.
“We have to decide if it’s surgery or not surgery, but it will be a few months out.”
The Spaniard also revealed that they have sought the advice of Manchester City’s specialist doctor who had a view of the pictures.
Pep Guardiola disclosed that Ramon Cugat, the Citizens specialist doctor, didn’t personally act on the pictures seen.
Kevin De Bruyne made 49 appearances for Manchester City last term and he helped the club win the treble; UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and Premier League.
De Bruyne has battled recurrent hamstring injuries
The former Chelsea midfielder also sustained injuries last term, including one notable lay-off in the final of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League final.
Manchester City came out victorious in that encounter but they had the injury of De Bruyne to contend with.
The 32-year-old has enjoyed a successful spell at the Etihad and it appears he is gradually bowing out of the top level.
Kevin De Bruyne has made 358 appearances for Manchester City, providing 96 goals and providing a staggering 153 assists.
The Belgian joined the Premier League champions from VfL Wolfsburg on August 30, 2015, for a fee of €76 million and he has been remarkable ever since.
Meanwhile, the Citizens are reportedly interested in signing West Ham’s midfielder, Lucas Paqueta, but they are hesitant to pay the £85 million price tag demanded by the Hammers to secure his services.
The manager of West Ham United, David Moyes, has acknowledged the interest from Premier League giants Manchester City.
He expressed the allure that Pep Guardiola’s side have over many clubs, saying: “There are a couple of football clubs in the world who could turn your head quite easily.
“Let’s be fair, Manchester City are probably one of them.”
The Citizens commenced the 2023/24 Premier League season on a winning note, defeating Vincent Kompany’s Burnley by a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
They have also added the UEFA Super Cup to their trophy cabinet, having defeated Sevilla on penalties, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
