Overview
- Napoli confirmed a high-grade lesion of Kevin De Bruyne’s right biceps femoris and said he has begun rehabilitation after tests at Pineta Grande Hospital.
- Italian reports say De Bruyne has returned to Belgium and is scheduled for surgery in Antwerp on Wednesday, with recovery estimates commonly placed at three to four months.
- Journalists project the midfielder will miss the rest of 2025 and target an early-2026 return, a timeline influenced by his similar 2023 injury that also required an operation.
- Antonio Conte’s options are thinning as Frank Zambo Anguissa will be away for the Africa Cup of Nations from December 21 to January 18, with other absences including Alex Meret and Romelu Lukaku and Stanislav Lobotka still working back.
- The club is weighing a Champions League list replacement permitted for two‑month injuries and potential January reinforcements, with Kobbie Mainoo linked and internal options such as Mazzocchi or Marianucci mentioned for European registration.