It was a devastating moment for Napoli supporters when their midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne, suffered a hamstring injury after taking a penalty kick in the match against Inter Milan.
The Belgian midfielder, who had earlier scored from the penalty spot, immediately signalled for a substitution after clutching his right leg in visible pain. Medical examinations later confirmed a high-grade lesion in the femoral biceps muscle — a severe hamstring tear that will require an extended period of recovery.
There were initial suggestions De Bruyne could be sidelined for three to four months, with some medical experts warning that his absence might extend until early 2026, depending on the rehabilitation process. The injury is particularly concerning given his history of similar issues; he previously underwent surgery on the same leg in 2023.
The injury is a big blow to Napoli, losing their creative leader is a significant blow as they continue their Serie A and Champions League campaigns.
What is the severity of Kevin De Bruyne’s injury?
Kevin De Bruyne got injured while taking a penalty kick during the game against Inter. When a player takes a powerful shot like a penalty, it puts a lot of force through your leg, especially the hamstring muscles (the ones at the back of your thigh). The biceps femoris is one of the main hamstring muscles. If you stretch it too far or contract it too hard (for example, when swinging your leg forcefully), the muscle fibres can tear.
A high-grade tear means a severe muscle tear. It’s not just a mild strain; a large part of the muscle is damaged.
How long will Kevin De Bruyne last?
Kevin de Bruyne is expected to be out for at least three months which will be a blow for both Napoli and Belgium.
However, both sides will hope that De Bruyne gets back to fitness very soon.