Napoli: Kevin De Bruyne's absence period revealed! | OneFootball

Napoli: Kevin De Bruyne learns the length of his layoff!

Napoli: Kevin De Bruyne's absence period revealed!

Napoli will have to learn to cope without their midfield maestro. Forced off with an injury during the high-stakes clash against Inter Milan, Kevin De Bruyne has suffered a serious lesion of the right thigh's biceps femoris. And the news is far from encouraging for the Belgian playmaker, whose period on the sidelines has just been extended.

An absence estimated at a minimum of five months

While initial assessments suggested a three-month layoff, the Italian press now reports that his recovery will take around five months. The 34-year-old has ultimately opted for surgery in Belgium, which inevitably postpones his return to action. It's a major blow for Napoli, where De Bruyne had swiftly established himself as the midfield general.

With four goals and two assists in eleven matches since his summer arrival, the former Manchester City star had made a flying start to his Serie A adventure. But this injury changes everything: Napoli lose their metronome, and Antonio Conte is deprived of his number one attacking asset.

For the Partenopei, this extended absence is a hammer blow, both technically and psychologically. Kevin De Bruyne is not expected back before spring 2026, just as Napoli hope to still be contending for top honors in Italy and across Europe.