Kevin De Bruyne's Penalty Woes: A Tale of Hamstring Injuries and Concerns
The Belgian star's recent penalty kick celebration turned into a moment of concern as he suffered a major injury, leaving him visibly devastated. The incident occurred during Napoli's match against Inter Milan, where De Bruyne stepped up to take a penalty, scoring with precision before hobbling in pain. This wasn't his first encounter with hamstring issues, as De Bruyne has a history of serious problems with his right leg, which has caused him to miss significant time in the past.
De Bruyne's journey with hamstring injuries began at Manchester City, where he underwent surgery in August 2023, missing four months of action. Before that, he had already faced multiple hamstring problems in the previous season. The 32-year-old has been a Premier League icon, making almost 700 appearances and scoring over 100 goals, but his hamstring has been a recurring challenge. After returning to action, he faced another setback, missing 44 days and 12 games due to a complicated injury.
In February 2024, De Bruyne opened up about his struggles with his hamstring, revealing that it was like a 'wet paper towel' due to a ruptured tendon. He expressed frustration, stating that despite being fit, he re-injured his hamstring during a game against Burnley. This incident highlights the delicate nature of hamstring injuries and the potential for long-term lay-offs, which could significantly impact De Bruyne's future with Napoli and his overall career.
The concern surrounding De Bruyne's injury is heightened by his recent form. Since joining Napoli, he has made six starts, scoring four goals, with three of those coming from penalties. His only assists have come in the Champions League against Sporting Lisbon, indicating that his impact on the team goes beyond just scoring goals. As manager Antonio Conte and the Napoli team prepare for the upcoming games, the focus will be on De Bruyne's recovery and the potential long-term effects of this injury on his career.
