Kevin De Bruyne Faces Lengthy Spell on the Sidelines After "Serious Injury," Pep Guardiola Confirms

In a press conference ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola delivered unfortunate news about star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder sustained a "serious injury" during a recent match against Burnley, exiting the field after just 23 minutes due to a hamstring issue.

Guardiola expressed his concern over De Bruyne's condition, stating, "It's a serious injury." The manager further revealed that the club is deliberating the possibility of surgery, which could potentially sideline De Bruyne for a few months. Guardiola estimated that if surgery is pursued, the recovery period could extend to three or four months.

The absence of De Bruyne is a significant setback for Manchester City, with Guardiola acknowledging, "Kevin has specific qualities that you can lose for one game or two games, but for a long time it's really tough for us." Guardiola emphasized the player's irreplaceable skills and contributions, which have been integral to the team's success over the years.

Despite the challenging situation, Guardiola remained optimistic about the team's ability to adapt and rise to the occasion. He highlighted the presence of other talented players within the squad, emphasizing that they will have an opportunity to step up in the absence of De Bruyne. Guardiola expressed confidence that the team would make the most of this opportunity and continue to perform well.

De Bruyne's impact on the Premier League has been undeniable, as he holds the distinction of creating the most chances since Guardiola's arrival in 2016, with an impressive tally of 647 chances created. This statistic underscores the magnitude of his absence on the pitch.

In a related development, West Ham United manager David Moyes revealed that Manchester City has submitted a bid for midfielder Lucas Paqueta. This potential transfer indicates Manchester City's proactive approach to bolstering their midfield options in light of De Bruyne's injury.

As Manchester City prepares to face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup, Guardiola and his team will be facing the challenge of adjusting to De Bruyne's absence and finding ways to maintain their winning momentum in his absence.