Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City commenced their 2024-25 UCL campaign on an underwhelming note. The Cityzens could only manage a 0-0 draw in their first Champions League fixture of the season against Inter Milan. Nevertheless, the apparent loss of their go-to creator Kevin De Bruyne to injury would hurt the City fans more than the dropped points. But, what actually happened to the Belgian midfielder?
Here are all the available details regarding the ailment suffered by the 33-year-old football veteran in Man City’s draw vs Inter Milan.
Has Kevin De Bruyne suffered an injury while playing football?
Kevin De Bruyne reportedly sustained a groin injury in the first half of the aforementioned match. As such, he was substituted by coach Pep Guardiola as soon as the match resumed following the break.
The former Chelsea man was seen limping after an altercation, raising concern over his well-being in the City dugout. De Bruyne initially shrugged the discomfort off and chose to continue playing the match. Nevertheless, he was eventually taken out of the UCL game, with Guardiola choosing to field the returning Ilkay Gundogan in his stead.
Guardiola revealed in a post-match conference that he had always intended to make the substitution, irrespective of Kevin De Bruyne’s injury. “The way they defend, I was thinking after 35 minutes that I wanted to make this substitution. After the doctor said to me that Kevin was not ready to play,” the Spanish manager said. “I was ready to make this substitution anyway,” he added. (via Manchester Evening News)
When will Kevin De Bruyne return to play with Manchester City?
At the time of writing, it is unclear as to how long will KDB spend on the sidelines due to his injury. Nonetheless, first impressions suggest that he could return sooner rather than later.
Following the conclusion of Man City vs Inter Milan, Guardiola provided his take on his player’s condition. “I didn’t speak with the doctors yet. I will have more info tomorrow,” he said. Despite the uncertainty regarding his injury, Kevin De Bruyne could regain complete fitness in a short while. However, he is still expected to miss City’s upcoming Premier League bout against fellow title contenders, Arsenal.
