Pep Guardiola confirms major Kevin De Bruyne injury blow with midfielder sidelined for months

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be sidelined for an extended period of time.

De Bruyne, who started against Burnley at Turf Moor on Friday evening, suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury which forced the 32-year-old to be replaced during the UEFA Champions League Final.

The Manchester City midfielder is set to miss the remainder of the calendar year due to the injury, and could even undergo surgery, sidelining the Belgian until 2024.

De Bruyne registered 16 assists and scored seven Premier League goals last season, and will now likely miss a huge chunk of the campaign, with Pep Guardiola’s side due to play 21 Premier League matches between now and the end of January 2024.

The Sky Blues are also due to compete in the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and Carabao Cup between now and the end of the calendar year.

Manchester City face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, before welcoming Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening in the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of the Super Cup in Athens, Pep Guardiola confirmed the major injury blow to De Bruyne: “We have to decide his surgery. Will be a few months out. We will decide in the next days. Surgery is surgery, three or four months out.

“The injury to Kevin [De Bruyne] is a blow, a big loss.

“He has specific qualities. For a long time is really tough for us. We have to look forward. We have alternatives. Kevin is irreplaceable, but we have talented players. They will take it.

“Give me 25 days of preparation and it will be easier. It’s 15 minutes, I spoke with physios and doctors and with him. Unfortunately.”

The Manchester City manager also confirmed that leading surgeon Dr Ramon Cugat had seen De Bruyne’s scans, following tests on Monday.

“He saw the images, saw them personally. Two or three doctors had the same opinion,” admitted Guardiola.

The treble-winners could look to replace the 32-year-old during the remaining weeks of the transfer window, with West Ham and Brazil star Lucas Paqueta linked with a potential move from the London Stadium.

Asked about signing a new midfielder, Guardiola, replied: “We will see. We’ll talk with Txiki [Begiristain] and the chances and possibilities.”

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