Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne faces an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a serious thigh injury sustained while scoring in his team’s 3-1 victory over Inter Milan.
The 34-year-old Belgian playmaker was forced off midway through the first half of Saturday’s Serie A clash after clutching the back of his right leg moments after converting a penalty in the 33rd minute. Despite Napoli’s impressive win, the club’s celebrations were dampened by the sight of their talisman leaving the pitch in clear discomfort.
Subsequent medical scans confirmed a high-grade tear of the biceps femoris, one of the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh, an injury known for its long recovery process.
Successful Surgery in Belgium
Napoli released a statement on Wednesday confirming that De Bruyne had undergone successful surgery in Antwerp, Belgium, where he will also begin the initial phase of his rehabilitation. The statement read, “Kevin De Bruyne underwent surgery on his right thigh in Antwerp. The procedure was successful, and he will continue his recovery under the supervision of our medical team in collaboration with specialists in Belgium.”
The reigning Serie A champions did not provide a specific timeframe for the midfielder’s return but indicated that his recovery “will be closely monitored before he rejoins the team in Naples.”
Napoli’s Key Man
De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer from Manchester City in June, bringing vast experience and creativity to the Italian champions’ midfield. His impact was immediate as he scored four goals in eight Serie A appearances and featured three times in the Champions League, helping Napoli return to the top of the domestic table.
Coach Rudi Garcia has relied heavily on De Bruyne’s intelligence and passing range to dictate play. His ability to unlock defences and provide leadership has been crucial in Napoli’s strong start to the season. Losing him at such a critical stage represents a significant setback for the club’s ambitions both in Italy and Europe.
Garcia expressed both disappointment and optimism in his post-surgery comments: “Kevin is a leader for us, both on and off the pitch. It’s a tough loss, but we know his professionalism and mentality will guide him through recovery. We’ll support him every step of the way.”
Injury Concerns Mount
This is not the first time De Bruyne has faced a long-term layoff due to muscle injuries. During his final season at Manchester City, he missed several months with a hamstring problem sustained in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan in 2023.
Given his age and the recurrence of similar issues, Napoli’s medical team is expected to take a cautious approach. De Bruyne’s rehabilitation programme will focus on gradual strength rebuilding to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Impact on Napoli’s Season
Napoli’s midfield depth will now be tested, with players such as Piotr Zieliński, Stanislav Lobotka, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa expected to shoulder more responsibility in De Bruyne’s absence. Youngster Gianluca Gaetano could also see increased playing time as Garcia looks to rotate his squad through a demanding winter schedule.
The club’s upcoming fixtures include crucial Serie A clashes against Juventus and AC Milan, as well as a decisive Champions League double-header. De Bruyne’s creativity and composure will be sorely missed in these key encounters.
Road to Recovery
While the timeline for De Bruyne’s return remains uncertain, similar injuries typically require two to three months of recovery before players can resume full training. The Belgian international will likely spend the next few weeks in rehabilitation under medical supervision before rejoining team activities in Naples.
For De Bruyne, this setback adds another chapter to a career defined as much by resilience as brilliance. His return will be eagerly awaited by Napoli fans, who have already embraced him as a pivotal figure in their title defence.
As he begins the long road back to fitness, the Italian champions will have to adapt and hope their midfield maestro can return in time to influence the decisive stages of their season.
