Serie A: Napoli’s De Bruyne unlikely to play again this year as club confirms hamstring injury

Serie A leaders Napoli could be without Kevin De Bruyne until early 2026 after the club confirmed he had suffered a hamstring injury.

The former Manchester City midfielder was injured while scoring a penalty in his team’s 3-1 home win over Inter Milan on Saturday.

After converting his penalty, the 34-year-old Belgian stiffened and clutched his right thigh before leaving the field with the assistance of the club’s medical staff.

It was De Bruyne’s fourth league goal of his first season in Italy since joining from City in the final season. He has already scored twice from the penalty spot and once from a free kick.

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“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 a statement.

“The player has already started his rehabilitation,” the club added, without giving further details.

Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport reported that De Bruyne is not expected to play again this year, dealing a blow to Napoli’s hopes of retaining the Scudetto.

Napoli, which faces Lecce on Tuesday, is the leader in terms of goal difference, but has the same number of points as second-placed AS Roma.

Published on October 27, 2025