Kevin De Bruyne (32, Manchester City) is facing a possible return to the operating table.

According to Britain’s The Sun, the Manchester City captain will miss the rest of the year if he needs hamstring surgery, according to a source close to the player. “Surgery is the best option, but a final decision has not yet been made,” the source added.

Der Bruyne started the 2023-2024 English Premier League (EPL) season opener against Burnley at Turf Moor in Burnley, Lancashire, England, on Sept. 12.

However, Der Bruyne was forced off the field in the 21st minute of the game after City took a 1-0 lead through Elling Holland. After speaking to the medical staff, Der Bruyne was replaced by Mateo Kovacic, who complained of hamstring pain.

The star of City’s triple (Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League) last season, it was revealed that Der Bruyne had been playing with a hamstring injury for the last two months of the season. He tore his hamstring during the Champions League final and had to undergo surgery and focus on rehabilitation during the off-season.

Der Bruyne’s hopes were raised when he was added to the Asian Tour roster. In South Korea, he warmed up in an open training session ahead of a preseason match against Atletico Madrid and made his presence felt in the FA Community Shield against Arsenal, coming on as a late substitute and assisting on the opening goal.

As a result, he was not selected for the opener. Despite the 3-0 win, Pep Guardiola said: “De Bruyne is unfortunately injured again. I think it’s the same one he told me about in the Champions League final,” he said, adding, “He was really good in the first few minutes and played really well.”

The Brazilian is also very popular with South Korean fans, as he is best friends with Son Heung-min (Tottenham, 31). Korean fans affectionately call him “Kim Deuk-bae,” after the first letter of his English name (Kevin De Bruyne).

Notably, De Bruyne did not play during the last tour of South Korea. He was named to the bench against Atletico Madrid, but never took the pitch.

However, he has become a favorite on various Korean TV programs such as Mnet’s “M Countdown,” tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block,” and Coupang Play’s “SNL Korea” through his heartfelt fan service.

On Coupang Play’s “SNL Korea,” he made a surprise appearance in the “Sindorim Early Soccer Game” segment. With his jersey emblazoned with the name “Kim Duck-bae,” an affectionate nickname for his Korean fans, The Brainer chugged soju and lamented, “Soccer is hard,” perfectly portraying the youngest player who is intimidated by the seniority culture. 안전카지노사이트