NAPLES, ITALY – In a moment of much-needed positive news for Napoli and their supporters, star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that his recent surgery on a serious thigh injury was a complete success.
The Belgian playmaker took to social media to share an update on his status, injecting optimism into what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process.
Surgery “Perfect” After High-Grade Tear
De Bruyne underwent surgery in his native Belgium earlier this week to repair a high-grade lesion of the biceps femoris in his right thigh. The injury was sustained dramatically while scoring a penalty during Napoli’s 3-1 victory over Inter Milan, forcing him off the pitch on crutches.
The player’s message confirms the positive reports issued by Napoli, which stated that the operation “went perfectly.” De Bruyne’s statement read:
“I will be sidelined for a while… the good news is my surgery went perfect. My way back has already started!”
Long Road Ahead: Targeting Early 2026 Return
While the surgery was a success, the road to full match fitness will be a challenging one.
Medical experts and club staff anticipate a recovery period of three to five months.
This timeline effectively rules the 34-year-old out of all remaining fixtures for the 2025 calendar year.
- Initial Phase: De Bruyne will continue the first phase of his post-surgical rehabilitation in Belgium, focusing on pain management and static exercises for the first four to six weeks.
- Target Date: The most optimistic scenario sees the influential midfielder potentially returning to full training in February 2026, or more likely in early Spring.
Napoli Must Cope Without Their Maestro
De Bruyne’s absence is a huge blow to manager Antonio Conte as Napoli aims to maintain its position at the top of the Serie A table and compete in the Champions League.
Having been instrumental since his free-agent arrival in the summer, scoring four goals in eight league appearances, the team must now find alternative sources of creativity and goals to navigate the winter months without their key playmaker.
The football world continues to send best wishes for his complex and cautious rehabilitation.
