Manchester City fans will have to wait a bit longer to see midfield maestro Kevin de Bruyne back in action as he remains sidelined ahead of the Premier League match against Bournemouth this Saturday. Despite participating in training, the Belgian star has yet to recover fully and remains on the path to regaining match fitness.
Pep Guardiola Provides Update on Kevin De Bruyne’s Fitness Status
City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that while De Bruyne has been actively involved in training sessions, he has not yet reached the level required for competitive play. “Kevin de Bruyne can’t play yet,” Guardiola stated. “Hopefully, after the international break, he’ll feel good. He feels better and can train, but when he kicks the ball, he still experiences pain, which keeps him from competing.”
This ongoing recovery struggle highlights De Bruyne’s careful return to action after an extended injury setback.
A Lengthy Absence Since September
Kevin De Bruyne has not taken the field for Manchester City since his last appearance in mid-September, where he was forced to leave the game at halftime during the Champions League draw against Inter Milan. This absence has undoubtedly impacted City’s midfield creativity, a core aspect of their playing style, as De Bruyne has long been pivotal in driving the team’s offensive strategy.
The 33-year-old Belgian is no stranger to injury setbacks. Last season, he missed four months due to hamstring surgery, a serious procedure that required extensive recovery and rehabilitation. The current injury, although less severe, continues to affect his ability to compete at the level both Guardiola and fans expect.
Timeline for Kevin De Bruyne’s Return
With the international break approaching, Manchester City’s medical team is hopeful De Bruyne will utilize the time to focus on a full recovery. Guardiola has expressed optimism about his return post-break, but the exact timeline remains uncertain. For now, City will be relying on other key players to fill the void left by De Bruyne’s absence in the midfield.
Kevin De Bruyne – Getty image
Manchester City’s Adjustments in De Bruyne’s Absence
De Bruyne’s absence has pushed Guardiola to make tactical adjustments, experimenting with different midfield line-ups. While Phil Foden and Rodri have taken on more prominent roles, Guardiola will have to continue rotating his midfielders as City navigates a busy schedule.
Manchester City fans are undoubtedly eager to see Kevin De Bruyne’s return, as his vision, passing accuracy, and leadership are assets that few players can replicate. As the Premier League season progresses, City will look forward to welcoming back their midfield general, with hopes he can contribute to their title ambitions once he fully regains his strength and fitness.
