Pep Guardiola has provided a concerning update on Kevin De Bruyne’s condition, suggesting that Manchester City’s star midfielder may not be back on the pitch anytime soon. De Bruyne, who has been out of action since mid-September, continues to struggle with a lingering hamstring issue that has cast doubt on his ability to return to full fitness.
De Bruyne’s troubles began when he limped off during the half-time break in a European match against Inter Milan. What seemed like a routine stretch for the ball led to a recurrence of a persistent hamstring injury—an issue that first surfaced during the 2023 Champions League final, when he was forced off in the first half. Since then, the Belgian playmaker has been grappling with the same problem, and Guardiola has emphasized caution regarding his comeback.
### A Frustrating Injury for De Bruyne
De Bruyne’s hamstring woes have been a recurring theme for the Manchester City camp. The midfielder’s latest setback, while described as “minor” by Guardiola, has been enough to keep him out for weeks. Addressing the media ahead of City’s Champions League match against Sparta Prague, Guardiola was candid about De Bruyne’s current state. “It’s not a big issue,” Guardiola said, “but he doesn’t feel completely fine. He’s not 22 years old anymore—he has to be fit for his football and completely fit. If he does not feel comfortable, he cannot express his incredible potential.”
These words reflect Guardiola’s cautious approach with De Bruyne, who is now 33 and no longer in the peak of his physical prime. With age comes the need for patience, and Guardiola is aware that rushing the midfielder back could lead to further complications. “He’s training better,” Guardiola acknowledged, “but he said to me he does not feel good, so if he does not feel good, he should take his time.”
The emphasis on a gradual return is a change in strategy for both Guardiola and De Bruyne, who has previously pushed himself to recover quickly. Following surgery last year, De Bruyne made a surprising comeback in the latter half of the 2022/23 season, despite the severity of his injury. The surgical procedure addressed a tear in his hamstring that had left the muscle with the fragile consistency of “a wet paper towel.” Despite playing less than half of Manchester City’s Premier League matches, De Bruyne still managed to contribute 10 assists, a tally that placed him among the top providers in the league. However, the decision to push himself so hard may have come at a cost, as the same hamstring has once again become an area of concern.
### Filling the Void: Foden Steps Up
With De Bruyne sidelined, Guardiola has been forced to look for alternatives in the midfield, and Phil Foden has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the Belgian’s sizable shoes. Last season, Foden stepped up admirably during De Bruyne’s absence, delivering consistent performances that solidified his status as one of England’s brightest talents. However, this season has seen Foden’s role diminish slightly, as he has made only three starts for Manchester City so far. Guardiola has attributed this careful management to Foden’s intense summer with the England national team at Euro 2024, suggesting that the young midfielder needed time to recover from a packed international schedule.
Despite the limited starts, Guardiola expressed optimism about Foden’s form and mindset. “With Phil, you realize immediately when he is happy and fit and mentally in the right moment,” he said. “You realize he’s getting better and better.” This positive outlook suggests that Foden may play a more significant role in the coming weeks, especially with De Bruyne’s return date uncertain. Foden’s versatility, coupled with his ability to play both centrally and on the wings, makes him a crucial asset for Guardiola as he navigates this challenging period without his midfield maestro.
### Manchester City’s Midfield Dynamics Without De Bruyne
The absence of De Bruyne has undoubtedly affected Manchester City’s midfield dynamics. Known for his pinpoint passes, vision, and ability to control the tempo of a match, De Bruyne’s absence leaves a creative void that has yet to be fully filled. While Foden has shown flashes of brilliance, he operates differently from De Bruyne, relying more on his dribbling and pace rather than the Belgian’s signature long-range passes and crosses.
Ilkay Gündogan’s departure in the summer has further complicated matters. The German midfielder, who joined Barcelona, was a key figure in City’s midfield, particularly in De Bruyne’s absences. His ability to score crucial goals and maintain possession in tight situations made him an invaluable presence, and City is still adjusting to his absence. Newcomer Matheus Nunes, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers, has shown promise but is still settling into Guardiola’s complex system. Similarly, Croatian international Mateo Kovačić, who joined from Chelsea, has been tasked with adapting to the demanding role in the center of the pitch, particularly as he fills in for De Bruyne’s creative responsibilities.
### A Season of Adjustments for Manchester City
Manchester City’s 2023/24 campaign has thus been one of adjustments and strategic shifts. De Bruyne’s injuries have forced Guardiola to experiment with different midfield combinations, often relying on a more conservative approach to manage games without the dynamic presence of his star midfielder. The injury also raises questions about how Manchester City will handle a future where De Bruyne, given his age and fitness concerns, might not be able to maintain the same level of influence over an entire season.
The Catalan coach’s pragmatism is on full display as he manages both the physical and mental well-being of his squad, a strategy that has paid off in the past but will be tested once more as the season progresses. With crucial Champions League fixtures and a tight Premier League title race ahead, Guardiola knows he needs a fully fit De Bruyne if Manchester City is to achieve their ambitious goals. However, he is equally aware of the risks involved in rushing the midfielder back before he is ready.
### Looking Ahead: Patience and Prudence
The road to recovery for Kevin De Bruyne is not just about physical healing but also about regaining the confidence to play at his usual high level. Guardiola’s decision to allow De Bruyne ample time to rest and recover could prove crucial in the long term, particularly as Manchester City seeks to compete on multiple fronts. The Belgian’s history of bouncing back from injuries suggests that he has the resilience and determination to overcome this latest setback, but patience will be key.
As Manchester City continues their campaign without their playmaking talisman, the spotlight will shine on others like Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish to shoulder the creative burden. For now, the mantra at the Etihad remains clear: take it one step at a time, and don’t rush a player who has given so much to the club. De Bruyne’s story has always been one of brilliance mixed with adversity, and this chapter is yet another test of his enduring legacy in the blue half of Manchester.