Man City: Kevin De Bruyne ‘will undergo surgery in Belgium’ for his hamstring injury, with playmaker set to miss out for three to four months

Kevin De Bruyne will, according to reports in Belgium, undergo surgery on his hamstring injury in Antwerp.

The Manchester City star stumbled into the first half against Burnley in the Premier League’s season opener last week.

He was also absent for their UEFA Super Cup victory on penalties against Sevilla on Wednesday.

And as reported by the Belgian outlet HLNDe Bruyne returns to his home country to go under the knife in an attempt to fix the recurring problem that has left him out for between three and four months.

They state that investigations following the injury have shown that he will need surgery and that it will soon take place in the European country’s largest city, Antwerp.

As reported by Mail sports‘s Jack Gaughan on Tuesday, De Bruyne now faces the prospect of missing the rest of this year.

It is a major blow to manager Pep Guardiola, who gave City a maiden Super Cup win when they met Sevilla before returning to defending three trophies after last season’s famous Treble.

“It’s serious,” Guardiola said of his talisman, who was advised to have surgery after consulting three doctors. “We have to decide on surgery or no surgery in the next few days, but he will be out for a few months. The operation takes three or four months.

“It is a blow and a great loss for us. Kevin has specific qualities. You can lose it one or two games, but for a long time this will be hard for us.’

Reinforcements are now needed for that as City continue their hunt for West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta, worth around £80m.

The interest in Paqueta predated De Bruyne’s latest problem, with City having already gone to the Brazilian for £60m. Rennes winger Jeremy Doku is also hoping to seal a transfer.

“We have to look ahead and we have alternatives to other options,” Guardiola said. “Opportunities now for the others – life gives you them – and I’m pretty sure they’ll take them.”

There is a call for Phil Foden to be given more responsibility in central areas, with Rodri revealing that the England international is ‘the best player we have between the lines, pivoting and aiming at goal’.