Serie A table-toppers Napoli may have to manage without Kevin De Bruyne until early 2026 as the club announced his hamstring injury. The ex-Manchester City midfielder sustained the injury while netting a penalty during Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan at home last weekend. Following the successful spot-kick, the 34-year-old Belgian appeared to experience discomfort in his right thigh before being assisted off the pitch by the team’s medical staff.
This marked De Bruyne’s fourth goal in the league since joining Napoli from Manchester City in the recent off-season. Prior to this injury, he had already scored twice from penalties and once from a free-kick. Napoli confirmed in a statement that De Bruyne underwent tests which revealed a significant biceps femoris injury in his right thigh. The club mentioned that the player has commenced his rehabilitation, but no detailed information was provided.
Sources from Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport indicated that De Bruyne is unlikely to feature for the rest of the year, posing a setback to Napoli’s quest for defending their Serie A title. Currently leading the standings on goal difference, Napoli shares the same points with AS Roma, who sit second. Napoli is set to face Lecce on Tuesday amidst De Bruyne’s absence.