De Bruyne gives injury update as Saudi rumours build
Robin Bairner
- 26 Nov 2023 14:10 CST
- 3 min read
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has given an injury update that is set to send fear through the Premier League as rumours build over a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
De Bruyne has been sidelined since August with a hamstring problem, and though Julian Alvarez has filled his boots admirably, the return of the Belgium international is eagerly anticipated by City.
The former Wolfsburg and Chelsea star has now revealed that he is in the closing stages of his recovery and should be back playing soon.
Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he was a spectator, De Bruyne was asked by Sky Sports when his return to the field is planned.
He replied: “If all goes well, I hope to be back for Manchester City not long after the New Year.”
De Bruyne may, therefore, be back in the Man City side that faces Newcastle in the Premier League on 13 January, although they have at least eight matches to play before then, including the Club World Cup.
After delivering 18 assists in 32 Premier League matches last season – and 31 in all competitions – his return will represent an enormous boost for the club.
De Bruyne’s uncertain future
With a contract that expires in 2025 and a body that has been increasingly fragile in recent months, De Bruyne, who is 32 years old, has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent weeks.
A surprise contender has emerged in the form of Al Qadisiyah to sign him, with local press reporting that the side that is currently in the second tier of Saudi Arabian football plan to make him a marquee signing if and when they win promotion to the top flight.
Man City, meanwhile, are set to enter contract talks with De Bruyne once he returns from injury, but if these fail to progress before the summer, the door could be opened for an unlikely transfer.
