- Belgian forced off against Inter
- Will not have to undergo surgery
- Could be back for Super Cup clash
WHAT HAPPENED? The Manchester City midfielder was forced off during the first half of a European showpiece in Istanbul on June 10 that saw Pep Guardiola’s side complete a historic Treble. De Bruyne has, according to the Daily Star, suffered a Grade Three hamstring tear and will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future as a result.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The problem will not require surgery, but De Bruyne – who has been spotted holidaying with Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake during the summer break – has been advised to rest before starting his rehabilitation in earnest from July.
AND WHAT'S MORE: De Bruyne will be unavailable for City’s clash with Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 6 and a Premier League opener against Vincent Kompany’s newly-promoted Burnley on August 11. City’s medical team hope that the Belgium international will be ready to play some part – potentially off the bench – when Guardiola’s men face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on August 16.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT? De Bruyne is expected to join up with the City squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East, although he will play no part in meetings with Yokohama F. Marinos – who form part of the City Football Group – Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.