Napoli have confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be sidelined for the remainder of the year after suffering a high-grade muscle injury during the weekend clash with Inter Milan.

The Belgian midfielder, who joined the Serie A champions from Manchester City in the summer, appeared to injure himself while scoring against Inter. He was visibly emotional as he left the pitch, helped off by two members of Napoli’s medical staff.

Club Statement Confirms Severity

In an official statement, Napoli revealed the full extent of the injury:

“Following the injury sustained during the match against Inter, Kevin De Bruyne underwent tests at Pineta Grande Hospital, which revealed a high-grade tear of the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh.

The Azzurri player has already begun his rehabilitation programme.”

The diagnosis means the 34-year-old is expected to miss several months of action, ruling him out of all fixtures for the remainder of 2025.

Recurring Problem for the Belgian Playmaker

The news will be especially concerning for Napoli fans given De Bruyne’s history of hamstring issues. The Belgium international underwent major surgery on the same right hamstring in the summer of 2023 following a series of setbacks at Manchester City.

This latest recurrence raises questions about the long-term management of the injury, though the midfielder is now set to undergo an intensive rehabilitation process in hopes of returning early in 2026.

Blow for Conte and Napoli

Since arriving in Italy, De Bruyne has made six starts, scoring four goals — three from the penalty spot — and quickly established himself as a key creative force in Antonio Conte’s system.

His absence comes at a critical stage of the season, with Napoli preparing for important Serie A and European fixtures leading into the Christmas break. Conte will now be forced to reshuffle his midfield options as the club navigates a demanding run of games without one of its biggest stars.