Kevin De Bruyne returns to Manchester City training at FIFA Club World Cup

Kevin De Bruyne has been photographed in Manchester City training for the first time since undergoing surgery on a reoccurring hamstring injury last summer.

The Belgium international playmaker has been out of action for Manchester City since first sustaining a hamstring problem during the Premier League opener against Burnley at Turf Moor at the start of August.

With the problem being a reoccurrence of an injury sustained in the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul at the end of last season, the decision was taken by the player, Manchester City themselves, and medical professionals to undergo surgery to prevent the issue from reappearing further down the line.

Now, after a lengthy recovery process that has seen De Bruyne feature in no on-field action for several months, Manchester City fans have been treated to an exciting update surrounding the 32-year-old’s fitness.

As per Manchester City and an image released on their social media channels on Monday afternoon, Kevin De Bruyne has been photographed participating in first-team training duties as normal alongside his fellow teammates for the first time since August.

A video released by MailSport journalist Jack Gaughan at the training session also showcased Kevin De Bruyne back in action on the field of play, as he stood alongside the likes of Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji in a passing drill.

Kevin De Bruyne has previously stated that he may not return to Manchester City action until after the turn of the year, with some believing that the away clash against Newcastle United could be the most realistic time to complete 90 minutes under Pep Guardiola again.

Speaking on his recovery process at a recent charity event involving City in the Community, Kevin De Bruyne explained, “It’s going really well. I had surgery – it was a big injury. But we’re getting closer – closer to the new year [his original return date]. I am doing really well and hoping to be back on the pitch soon.”

He continued, “I am certain I will be fine once I am back on the pitch. I hope to just keep on playing good football and that is good enough.”

It remains to be seen whether Kevin De Bruyne will make any appearances for Manchester City at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, with the expectation being that he could be named among the substitutes for the very first time following surgery.

City take on Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday evening, with a place in the final awaiting the winner on Friday night, and a third-place play-off for the loser in Jeddah.