De Bruyne Injury: Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne could be forced to miss the rest of the year with his recurring hamstring issue. He spent the entire summer vacation and pre-season, recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained during the Champions League final. He came back in their opening Premier League match against Burnley. However, sustained another hamstring injury in the first half of the match. As per coach Pep Guardiola, it could take De Bruyne till the end of the year to recover from this injury.
Kavin De Bruyne sustained a hamstring injury in their Champions League final last season. He was taken off in the first half of the game and the talented midfielder spent the entire summer vacation recovering from the injury. He did not participate in their pre-season campaign to get ready before the season starts. As the date of the match came closer, many doubted if he would be available for the opening game against Burnley. However, he was included in the matchday squad and started the match as well.
28 minutes into the match, he suffered a recurrence of the injury and was subbed off. Coach Pep Guardiola updated on the injury and it’s not good news for the coach and the fans. He said, “It’s serious – a big blow, really tough for us. We have to decide whether he has surgery or no surgery but it will be a few months out. In the next days we will decide on surgery. The injury is a big loss, Kevin has specific qualities.”
He added, “You can lose it for one or two games but for a long time it’s really tough for us but you have to look forward. We have alternatives with different skills, different talents. It’s another opportunity [for others] – life gives you that. I’m pretty sure they will take it.” Dr. Ramon Cugat, the coach’s trusted physician is advising them regarding De Bruyne. Guardiola said, “Ramon saw the images. He didn’t personally [do anything] and they have two or three doctors who have the same opinion on what we have to do.”
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The coach will need to think of an effective replacement for this prolonged period of time. Guardiola could call up Phil Foden to fill in the file. About Foden, Guardiola said, “He can play there but play outside as well. We have alternatives – Mateo [Kovacic]. The club gave me a really good squad and we’ll find a solution.” Another player that can be considered an option is 19-year-old Rico Lewis who can play in a more defensive-midfield hybrid role.
Man City are now in Athens for the UEFA Super Cup match against last year’s Europa League champions Sevilla. Regarding the match, Guardiola said, “We are here, we are hungry to compete and challenge ourselves and prove ourselves. If someone wants to take out three crowns, they will have to fight to take it. Still we want to defend what we won last season. For Man City we never had this trophy because you have to win the Champions League or Europa League to be invited.”
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