Premier League English

Kevin De Bruyne is aiming to be back for Manchester City in the New Year

Manchester City fans would be thrilled and most relieved to hear that Kevin De Bruyne has given an update on when he is expected to return from injury.

The erstwhile Manchester City midfielder is currently recovering from a serious hamstring surgery he sustained in the early stages of Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Burnley on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Speaking with SkySports at the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, De Buyne said his recovery was going well and he was aiming to be back after the New Year. He told SkySports: “It’s going well [his recovery], it’s getting along. I’ve still got a little bit to go but we’re getting there. I hope for something closely after New Year if everything goes well.”

Despite Manchester City having undoubtedly started the season well, it is clearly discernible that they have missed their rock-steady playmaker, whose inspirational presence was greatly missed in Saturday’s draw with Liverpool. In De Bruyne’s absence, Julian Alvarez has become the regular starter trying his best to fill the huge gap left by the Belgian star.

While Alvarez has indeed given his best and performed well, it is obviously no easy feat to even temporarily replace Kevin De Bruyne, whose massive contributions to 41 goals (goals and assists combined) last season are further testimony of his invaluable importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.

The season is now already hitting the end of November and it could only be just over a month before he returns. Kevin De Bruyne’s much-anticipated return would be a massive adrenaline shot in the arm for Manchester City in the second half of the season.