Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is set for another long spell out after suffering a serious thigh injury during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan in Serie A.
The Belgian star, who scored Napoli’s opening goal from the penalty spot, pulled up immediately after finding the net and was forced off the pitch, cutting short what had been one of his best performances in a Napoli shirt.
Club officials have confirmed that De Bruyne will undergo surgery in Antwerp on Wednesday. Early reports from Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport suggest the 34-year-old could be sidelined for at least three to four months, ruling him out until February 2026.
The injury is a recurrence of the same muscle problem that plagued him during his final season at Manchester City in 2023, which kept him out for nearly five months.
“It’s unfortunate as Kevin had settled in very well,” Napoli team manager Gabriele Oriali told DAZN. “We’ll know more after the operation, but we expect a long recovery.”
Despite the setback, Napoli remain optimistic as Romelu Lukaku is set to return to training this week after his own thigh injury.
Antonio Conte’s side currently lead Serie A on goal difference from Roma, but losing De Bruyne could test their title ambitions in the months ahead.