Overview
- De Bruyne announced on Instagram that the procedure "went perfect" and said his recovery is underway.
- The hamstring injury occurred after his penalty in Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter late last month, forcing an immediate substitution.
- Media estimates place his recovery at a minimum of three to four months, echoing his roughly four-month return after a similar 2023 surgery, with any World Cup absence only a reported possibility.
- Napoli executive Giovanni Manna said the club is looking around for a replacement and signaled a shift in transfer plans for the January window.
- The 34-year-old joined on a free transfer from Manchester City and had 11 appearances with four goals and two assists, having already missed recent Serie A and Champions League games before surgery.