Man City star Kevin De Bruyne pays tribute to wife Michele Lacroix on her birthday as injury recovery continues

In the same week that City revealed the encouraging news that the Belgian had been included in their squad for the upcoming Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia later this month, the midfielder also made an appearance on social media to wish his wife a happy birthday.

"Happy birthday to my beautiful wife," De Bruyne posted on Instagram. "Let’s continue our fun journey with our 3 amazing children and get many more experiences in our life together."

De Bruyne has been absent from the City line up since leaving the field on the opening day of the season at Turf Moor with a recurrence of the hamstring issue that forced him off the pitch during last season's Champions League final. Usually a model of control and order, City's recent chaotic performances have suggested that they may be missing some of the order that De Bruyne's experience and range of passing usually brings. A return seems close but Pep Guardiola will be minded not to rush the Belgian back too soon.

De Bruyne will certainly miss out on a chance to experience the Premier League's most unique surroundings when his City team-mates head to Kenilworth Road on Sunday against a Luton Town side who have taken both Liverpool and Arsenal to the wire this season.