Pep Guardiola reveals extent of ‘serious’ Kevin De Bruyne injury

Pep Guardiola has revealed Kevin De Bruyne has suffered a ‘serious injury’ and will be out for a few months.

De Bruyne limped off early in City’s 3-0 win over Burnley to open the Premier League season on Friday.

The 32-year-old had suffered a similar injury in the Champions League final just over two months ago as City beat Inter Milan to become European champions for the first time.

“It’s a serious injury,” said Guardiola ahead of the UEFA Super Cup between City and Sevilla in Athens. “We have to decide surgery or not surgery.”

He added: “Surgery I think will be three or four months out.”

City have already lost two of their most potent attacking players from last season as Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona and Riyad Mahrez departed for Saudi club Al-Ahli.

And Guardiola said De Bruyne is “irreplaceable” despite having the likes of Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez to call upon to deputise.

“Kevin has specific qualities. To lose it for a long time is really tough for us.

“At the same time we have to look forward. The skills for Kevin is irreplaceable but we have players with different talent.”

De Bruyne’s absence poses a real problem for City, who aren’t blessed with options in central midfield. Julian Alvarez has played in an attacking role in the early weeks of the new campaign, while Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva are alternatives. City have also been linked with a move for West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta.

De Bruyne provided 31 assists for City in all competition last season, as well as scoring 10 goals from 49 appearances.

He also formed an instantons partnership with Erling Haaland last season and De Bruyne’s absence will be a huge blow ahead of a season where City will compete for silverware on seven different fronts.