Manchester City fans have been anxiously waiting for a Kevin De Bruyne injury update for their 2017-18 Player of the Year for two days and here it is. De Bruyne recently flew to Barcelona for scans to determine the extent of the problem and the Premier League champion confirmed Thursday he suffered lateral collateral ligament (LCL) damage in his right knee that will keep him out of action for three months. He will not require surgery.
The Belgian went down at training on Wednesday with what reports were calling a serious injury. Thursday, he appeared at the premiere of Man City’s new Amazon documentary “All or Nothing” in crutches and a leg brace.
Kevin De Bruyne on crutches is a sight Manchester City fans won't want to see... pic.twitter.com/GZM70iwVKG
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 16, 2018
It is believed the injury is similar to one De Bruyne dealt with in the 2015-16 season that kept him out for more than two months. It certainly could have been worse news but no doubt the midfielder will be sorely missed, particularly in the big matches he’ll be out for such as their first four UEFA Champions League fixtures and the matches against Liverpool and Manchester United.
The silver lining of this dark cloud is De Bruyne’s absence gives a window of opportunity for players such as Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva to gain confidence within Pep Guardiola’s system.
If others can step up, De Bruyne’s return come winter will showcase the embarrassment of riches the Citizens have.
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