Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is expected to be out until early 2026 after sustaining a serious hamstring injury during his team’s win over Inter Milan.
Serie A leaders Napoli could be without Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne until early 2026 after the club confirmed he suffered a hamstring injury during their 3-1 home victory over Inter Milan on Saturday.
The 34-year-old former Manchester City star sustained the injury while scoring from the penalty spot. Moments after converting, De Bruyne appeared to freeze in pain, clutching his right thigh before limping off with assistance from the medical team.
“Kevin De Bruyne underwent tests which revealed that he has a large-scale lesion in the biceps femoris of his right thigh,” Napoli said in an official statement. “The player has already begun his rehabilitation.”
De Bruyne has been a key figure in his debut Serie A season, scoring four league goals — including two penalties and a free kick — since joining from Manchester City in the summer.
Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport suggest the midfielder will not play again this year, dealing a significant blow to Napoli’s title defence.
Napoli currently lead the Serie A table on goal difference, level on points with second-placed AS Roma, and will face Lecce in their next league fixture on Tuesday.