From Belgium: De Bruyne update, when Napoli expect his return | OneFootball

Antonio Conte's Napoli has to deal with, among many things this year, a significant absence: Kevin De Bruyne is sidelined due to a serious injury, and the recovery time remains long.

From Belgium – De Bruyne, updates from the doctors: here's when Napoli can have him back on the field

The injury of the Belgian midfielder is a real blow for the team, deprived of its most skilled and creative player.

Current situation: De Bruyne in rehabilitation in Belgium

According to today's edition of Il Mattino, De Bruyne is currently in Belgium following a specialized rehabilitation program. The doctors overseeing him have provided Napoli with the first indications on his return to the field:

“The doctors treating De Bruyne informed Napoli just yesterday that he will be off crutches around December 10. At that point, the recovery timeline will be clearer. But it is long, very long. At least another three months. Minimum.”

It is therefore a delicate situation that will require patience and attention, especially to ensure a safe return without risking setbacks.

Impact on Napoli's tactical setup

The absence of De Bruyne, along with Anguissa and Gilmour, has forced Conte to rethink the rotations in midfield and the offensive phase. The Belgian midfielder is a key element of the Azzurri's play, capable of dictating the pace, creating numerical superiority, and providing quality in the final third.

In the coming months, the coach is relying on internal alternatives and, if necessary, potential market additions to compensate for the absence of such a caliber player.

Return prospects

If the removal of the crutches scheduled for December 10 goes according to plan, the actual return timeline to the field can be estimated, but the forecasts remain cautious: De Bruyne might not return before March 2026, barring complications.

Napoli, for its part, is constantly monitoring the rehabilitation and maintains direct contact with the Belgian doctors, aware that a too hasty recovery could compromise the midfielder's season and the team's.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.