Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious hamstring injury during Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Inter Milan in Serie A.
The 34-year-old Belgian, who joined the Italian champions on a free transfer last summer after leaving Manchester City, pulled up immediately after scoring a penalty in the 33rd minute. He was visibly in pain, clutching his right thigh before being helped off the pitch by medical staff.
In a statement on Monday, Napoli confirmed that scans at Pineta Grande Hospital revealed “a high-grade tear of the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh.”
The club added that De Bruyne had already begun rehabilitation but gave no indication of when he might return. Reports in Italy suggest he is unlikely to play again this year.
De Bruyne’s arrival was seen as a major coup for Antonio Conte, who had targeted the veteran playmaker to add experience and creativity to his midfield.
His injury is a blow to a Napoli side struggling for consistency this season, currently sitting eighth in the Serie A table after a 1-0 defeat to Lazio on Sunday.
The setback comes during De Bruyne’s eleventh appearance for the club, marking a frustrating chapter for a player whose career has been punctuated by muscle injuries.
Before his move to Italy, he spent a decade at Manchester City, where he won six Premier League titles and helped secure the historic 2023 treble of the league, Champions League and FA Cup.
