Kevin De Bruyne is going through another difficult time. The Napoli midfielder will undergo surgery this Wednesday in Antwerp, Belgium, after suffering an injury to his right hamstring during the Serie A match against Inter Milan last Saturday. The incident occurred while he was taking a penalty, an action that resulted in his immediate substitution.

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“De Bruyne’s surgery is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday),” confirmed Gabriele Oriali, the club’s sporting coordinator, in statements to DAZN before the league match against Lecce. “We will know more after the operation. Unfortunately, we know he will be out for three to four months. It’s disappointing because he had adapted very well to our plan and was making a big difference, also because of his experience,” added the executive.

An injury that revives ghosts of the past

This is not the first time the Belgian international has suffered a similar injury. In 2023, De Bruyne suffered a problem with the same muscle that kept him off the pitch for 120 days, missing 29 matches between Manchester City and the Belgian national team. On Saturday, after scoring the penalty, the player didn't even celebrate the goal: he grabbed his right thigh and left the field visibly in pain. The images were clear and foreshadowed another prolonged break in his career. De Bruyne, who arrived at Napoli this summer from Manchester City, had been one of the standout players for Antonio Conte's team. A starter in 10 of the 11 matches played so far, his presence provided leadership and balance to a squad in reconstruction. This season, he has four goals and two assists in all competitions. The Belgian's absence represents a major blow for the reigning Italian champions. Conte will have to restructure the midfield, possibly returning Scot Scott McTominay to his natural position in the central channel, where he shone last season.