“Turn a disadvantage into an advantage” – Kevin De Bruyne discusses five-month injury recovery

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has reflected on his five-month absence due to a hamstring injury.

The 32-year-old made just his third appearance of the campaign on Sunday afternoon, featuring for the first time since August during Manchester City’s 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup third round.

De Bruyne, who has been integral to Manchester City’s recent success, underwent surgery for a recurring hamstring injury after suffering another devastating setback against Burnley on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.

The midfielder missed the majority of City’s pre-season due to injury, having also been forced off during the first-half of the UEFA Champions League Final in June, due to a hamstring problem.

De Bruyne is set to return to help Guardiola’s side with their latest Premier League title bid, with the Sky Blues looking to win a record fourth consecutive title this season.

Manchester City are currently five points behind league leaders Liverpool, but could close the gap to two points with a win at Newcastle on Saturday evening.

De Bruyne could be set to make his Premier League return at St James’ Park, and after featuring against Huddersfield, the Belgium international has reflected on his five-month absence from the game.

“I can watch whatever football and I watched every game but I don’t like it,” revealed De Bruyne.

“It’s not like I needed a break but I took it, to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. When I reflect on my career, playing the last 10 years non-stop with a short break, maybe it was good for me to reset a little bit in a way and take care of myself when it is not really possible during the year.

“When you have three kids between three and seven, I’m basically a taxi driver. I enjoyed it.

“I think they enjoyed that Daddy could watch the games and now it will be harder for the missus and everyone to work around the programme.

“I could enjoy the things that I’ve not been able to do with my family and friends and took it that way. Maybe it was good to refresh a little bit.

“No new hobbies but it was nice to bring my son and daughter to their practices and see their games, what they do. I could go on holiday, which is never possible normally during the year.”