Kevin De Bruyne has outlined a potential timeline for his return from injury, expressing optimism about being back shortly after the New Year. The midfielder sustained an injury earlier in the season against Burnley, leading to his absence from Manchester City’s lineup. Julian Alvarez has stepped in as the team’s No.10 during De Bruyne’s recovery.
Pep Guardiola, in November, mentioned that the 32-year-old was in the “last phase” of his rehabilitation process, inching closer to returning to first-team training. Guardiola refrained from specifying a comeback date, citing the complexities associated with long-term injuries.
De Bruyne himself, speaking to Sky Sports F1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, indicated that if everything progresses well, he aims to be back shortly after the New Year. Despite acknowledging that there’s still work ahead in his recovery, this announcement provides a glimmer of hope for Manchester City fans eagerly anticipating the return of their star player.
The midfielder’s absence has been keenly felt by the team, with Glenn Hoddle emphasizing that, despite the injury and prolonged absence, De Bruyne remains Manchester City’s “best player.” Recognized as a standout creator of his generation, De Bruyne’s vision and passing range set him apart. While Alvarez has performed admirably in the No.10 role, the absence of De Bruyne’s unique abilities has been noticeable.
The potential return of the midfield maestro in January aligns with his historical pattern of delivering impactful performances towards the latter part of the season. This prospect serves as positive news for Manchester City, offering hope that De Bruyne’s contribution could be a crucial factor as the team strives for success in various competitions.
