Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will undergo surgery in Antwerp on Wednesday following a right thigh injury, according to a report by Het Laatste Nieuws on Tuesday. The news has since been confirmed by multiple Belgian and international outlets, bringing concern to both club and country as the playmaker faces another spell out of action.
Napoli announced on Monday that the 34-year-old Belgian suffered a “high-grade lesion” to his right thigh. The injury occurred on Saturday when De Bruyne scored a penalty in Napoli’s 3-1 Serie A victory over Inter Milan. The club confirmed that he had already started rehabilitation before deciding on surgery.
This latest setback echoes a similar hamstring injury De Bruyne suffered in 2023 while still with Manchester City, which sidelined him for nearly four months. The recurrence raises questions about the long-term durability of one of Europe’s most technically gifted midfielders.
After joining Napoli from Manchester City during the summer transfer window, De Bruyne quickly became a key figure in the Italian side’s attacking setup.
He has featured in 11 matches so far this season — eight in Serie A and three in the UEFA Champions League — scoring four goals and providing several assists. His creativity and leadership have been instrumental in Napoli’s strong start to the campaign.
However, the club now faces the daunting challenge of continuing without their new talisman. Napoli manager Francesco Calzona will likely turn to Piotr Zieliński or youngster Gianluca Gaetano to fill the creative void in midfield while De Bruyne recovers.
In Belgium, the news has also caused concern ahead of the upcoming international fixtures. De Bruyne remains an essential part of the national team setup, and his absence could significantly impact preparations for next year’s European Championships. The Belgian Football Association has not yet issued a formal statement but is closely monitoring the situation.
Medical experts suggest that recovery from such high-grade thigh lesions typically takes between three to four months, depending on the severity and surgical outcome. If all goes well, De Bruyne could return to action early in 2026, though Napoli will likely adopt a cautious approach given his injury history.
Fans across the football world have expressed support for De Bruyne on social media, praising his professionalism and resilience. Known for his vision, passing precision, and leadership, the Belgian international has long been regarded as one of football’s finest midfielders.
While Napoli hopes for a swift recovery, the focus now shifts to ensuring De Bruyne’s long-term fitness. For the player himself, this represents yet another test of endurance in an illustrious yet injury-interrupted career.
As De Bruyne prepares for surgery in Antwerp, the football community waits anxiously — hoping that one of the game’s great creative forces will soon return to the pitch.
