Kevin De Bruyne injury: Progress & potential return date for Man City midfielder

Manchester City are looking to defend their treble this season, but they have had to cope without the hugely influential Kevin De Bruyne so far.

The Cityzens find themselves second in the Premier League table and have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League with two games to spare. Such is the quality of Pep Guardiola's squad, De Bruyne's absence hasn't been felt too severely, but Man City will still want him back as soon as humanly possible.

The 32-year-old has been missing since coming off injured against Burnley on the opening day of the Premier League season, but is now getting closer to a return.

When will Kevin De Bruyne return from injury?

De Bruyne suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury he sustained during last season's Champions League final, sidelined for a number of months after undergoing surgery to correct the issue.

However, the Belgian has been enjoying his time off and was recently spotted at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where he offered an update on his recovery.

"It's going well, getting along. Still got a little way to go, but we'll be there," said De Bruyne, who has missed 18 games for Man City so far this season.

Quizzed on when he might return to action, he said: "Hopefully something close after the New Year, if everything goes well."

De Bruyne's comments were put to Guardiola, with the Spaniard replying: "If he said January, it will be January. I would have loved to have him all this season but now he has tough injury and surgery and he has to recover well.

"He said end of December or happy new year, so it will be a happy new year for everyone."

De Bruyne will miss Man City's six remaining Premier League matches in 2023, as well as their final two Champions League group games and their FIFA Club World Cup campaign just before Christmas.

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