Premier League: Kevin De Bruyne out for several months, confirms Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

Manchester City's star midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, is set to be sidelined for up to four months following a hamstring injury he sustained during the opening game of the Premier League season. The news was confirmed by City's manager, Pep Guardiola, on the eve of their UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla.

The 32-year-old Belgian international had to leave the field just 23 minutes into the match against Burnley, which City won comfortably with a 3-0 scoreline. This incident marks a worrying recurrence of De Bruyne's hamstring issues, as he had previously limped off the field during the Champions League final in June.

Guardiola, in his post-match press conference, expressed his concern over De Bruyne's injury. "It's serious," he said, indicating that the player could be out for several months. The club is currently weighing the option of surgery to treat the problem. "We have to decide surgery or no surgery but he will be out for a few months," Guardiola stated, adding that a decision would be made in the coming days.

De Bruyne's injury is a significant blow to Manchester City, given his pivotal role in the team's midfield. Known for his exceptional playmaking abilities, De Bruyne has been instrumental in City's recent successes. His potential absence for the next three to four months could significantly impact the team's performance in both domestic and European competitions.

This is not the first time De Bruyne has faced such an injury setback. He has had a history of recurring hamstring problems, which have raised concerns about his long-term fitness. In fact, De Bruyne had spent much of the pre-season trying to recover from the same issue. His latest injury, therefore, raises questions about whether he was rushed back into action too soon.

Despite these challenges, Guardiola remains optimistic about the team's ability to cope without their star midfielder. He emphasized that while De Bruyne's skills are irreplaceable, the team boasts other talented players who can step up in his absence.

As De Bruyne faces another spell on the sidelines, Manchester City will undoubtedly feel his absence. However, the team's resilience and depth will be put to the test as they navigate the upcoming fixtures without their influential midfielder. As for De Bruyne, the focus will now be on his recovery and return to full fitness, with hopes high that he can overcome this recurring injury issue and continue to contribute significantly to the team's success.