Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Kevin de Bruyne’s injury ahead of Manchester City UEFA Super Cup match against Sevilla.
What happened to Kevin de Bryune?
The 32-year-old Manchester City playmaker endured a hamstring injury in the first half of the English Premier League opener against Burnley on Saturday, 12th of August, 2023.
The Belgian International missed Man City pre-season games due to an injury problem but made his return in the second half of the Community Shield against Arsenal where they suffered a defeat via a penalty shootout.
Following Manchester City’s victory against Vincent Kompany’s men at Turf Moore Stadium, the former Chelsea midfielder was subbed off after just 23 minutes of play and was replaced by summer signing Mateo Kovacic.
However, Pep Guardiola refused to discuss the issue after the Cityzen secured a 3-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moore after Erling Haaland opened his scoring sheet, the Norwegian goal machine doubled his evening’s work before the halftime.
The former Barcelona manager has now provided an update on the former Genk player’s situation and declared that the Belgian would have to go through surgery, which will see him miss a few months of the Premier League season.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the UEFA Super Cup matchup against Spanish La Liga outfit Sevilla, 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 former Bayern Munich coach added: “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”.
The revelation is yet another setback for De Bruyne, who also experienced hamstring pain during Man City’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan last season.
The 32-year-old now appears destined to miss several Premier League games, and it is also improbable that he will play when Man City begin the defense of their European championship.
Before the season’s first international break, Man City will lock horns against Fulham, Newcastle, and Sheffield United after taking on Sevilla on Wednesday, 16th of August, 2023.
However, Pep Guardiola has identified Phil Foden as Kevin de Bruyne’s replacement and Rico Lewis as a potential backup plan.
Given his capacity to play a hybrid defensive-midfield position, the 18-year-old Rico Lewis is an alternative to replace De Bruyne. The academy graduate has signed a new five years contract with the Citizens.
On the other hand, Manchester City remains interested in Lucas Paqueta, a midfielder for West Ham United although there is a disagreement in asking price to resolve.
What’s next for Manchester City?
Manchester City are in Athens for Wednesday night’s Uefa Super Cup final against Sevilla to add to their treble from the last season. Before they host Newcastle United on Saturday, 19th of August, 2023, in the English Premier League.
