Kevin De Bruyne's hamstring 'snapped' in another Champions League final injury heartbreak for Man City star

• Left game with apparent hamstring injury
• Replaced by Phil Foden
• Also injured in 2021 Champions League final

WHAT HAPPENED? De Bruyne went down clutching his leg inside 30 minutes, but was allowed to carry on. The Belgian only managed a further five minutes before being removed for Phil Foden. It's the second time in a week that De Bruyne has been substituted early, after he was taken off in the 76th minute against Manchester United in the FA Cup final - when the game was very much in the balance.

Still, City went on to secure a 1-0 victory through a goal from Rodri.

WHAT THEY SAID: "It has been a hard two months," De Bruyne told reporters after the game. "I had a lot of problems with my hamstring and it snapped."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: De Bruyne was also taken off in a Champions League final defeat to Chelsea two years ago because of an injury to his face. In that match, he sustained a fractured nose and eye socket after a first-half collision.

De Bruyne has been integral to City's treble run this season, having tallied 28 assists in all competitions.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? De Bruyne left with the score level at 0-0, the opening minutes featuring very few attempts on goal. He will surely be involved in upcoming celebrations following a 1-0 win, but it's bittersweet that he couldn't complete the match.