Kevin De Bruyne injury update: Napoli confirm Belgian facing lengthy absence after damaging hamstring taking penalty
The Belgium midfielder won't play again in 2025
Kevin De Bruyne is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines after Napoli confirmed he has suffered a significant injury to his troublesome right hamstring.
De Bruyne sustained the injury in the act of taking a penalty in Saturday’s win over Inter – his spot-kick putting the hosts ahead in a game they went on to win 3-1 to move to the top of Serie A.
The Belgium midfielder immediately felt the back of his right leg and was visibly distraught as he was helped from the field.
De Bruyne suffers ‘high-grade’ injury
Napoli released a statement this morning which read: “Following the injury that occurred during the match against Inter, Kevin De Bruyne underwent examinations at the Pineta Grande Hospital that showed a high-grade injury to the biceps femoris of the right thigh.
“The footballer has already started the rehabilitation process.”
It is another major injury setback for De Bruyne, who moved to Naples at the end of last season after a trophy-laden spell at Manchester City.
His time at the Etihad was disrupted in the last couple of seasons by hamstring concerns.
The 34-year-old limped off during the 2023 Champions League final against Inter and then ruptured the same muscle on the opening day of the following season at Burnley, forcing him have an operation that kept him out for four months.
De Bruyne’s impending absence is a blow for Napoli and coach Antonio Conte, for whom the win over Inter was a major relief after he faced heavy criticism for his side’s 6-2 Champions League hammering at PSV last Tuesday.