Guardiola also said the midfielder will undergo surgery and admitted that the team will miss his special qualities
Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Belgian playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne will undergo surgery and may be out for between three and four months.
De Bruyne will endure a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he sustained a hamstring injury during his team’s recent Premier League 3-0 win over Burnley.
The Citizens began the defence of their Premier League title with a comprehensive win over the Clarinets at Turf Moor on Friday night.
Erling Halaand scored a brace in the first half, while Rodri also found the back of the net, as they ensured Guardiola’s side got all three points against their host.
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However, what looked like a perfect night, was spoilt when De Bruyne limped off just 23 minutes into the encounter after apparently aggravating a recurring hamstring problem.
The 32-year-old was subsequently replaced by summer signing from Chelsea, Matteo Kovacic, who played in his position for the remainder of the game.
Providing an update on De Bruyne’s injury recently, Guardiola told CityXtra that the midfielder will be out for a long period.
He went on to add that the team will miss his special qualities but added that his teammates will cope in his absence.
He said: “We have to decide on his surgery. Will be a few months out. We will decide in the next few days.
“Surgery is surgery, three or four months out. The injury to Kevin [De Bruyne] is a blow, a big loss. He has specific qualities.
“For a long time is really tough for us. We have to look forward. We have alternatives. Kevin is irreplaceable, but we have talented players. They will take it.”