When Kevin De Bruyne Will Return From Injury As Napoli Superstar Begins Rehab
The playmaker suffered a serious thigh problem back in October.
Kevin De Bruyne has begun rehabilitation as he eyes a Napoli return early next year, according to reports.
Kevin De Bruyne Working Hard On Comeback
De Bruyne underwent surgery on a serious thigh injury he sustained while scoring against Inter Milan back in October. The 34-year-old had immediately clutched the back of his leg and was helped off the pitch shortly after.
Scans revealed a high-grade tear to his bicep femoris, a muscle at the back of the thigh. The former Manchester City man’s procedure in Belgium was successful, and he has commenced the first phase of his rehab.
While Napoli did not put an exact timeframe on his recovery, it has been reported that he could be back sooner than expected.
De Bruyne is now able to move without his crutches, and this week, he took to Instagram to post a photo by a pool in Belgium, alongside the caption, “Rehab”. He will continue to work on his fitness in his homeland before jetting back to Naples.
As such, Corriere dello Sport have estimated he could return between February and March.
The playmaker, who moved to Naples from City in June, scored four goals in his first eight league appearances. He also made three outings in the Champions League before picking up his untimely injury.
Hi everyone, as you all know I will be sidelined for a while. The good news is that the surgery went perfect. My way back has already started! Thank you for all the messages! 💙 pic.twitter.com/r8VJ9ETqgg
— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) November 3, 2025
Why Kevin De Bruyne Joined Napoli
De Bruyne rejected an offer from MLS club Chicago Fire during the summer, opting for Napoli instead.
Despite winning 19 major trophies after joining City in 2015, the veteran was determined to compete at the highest level. He was also enticed by the prospect of working under Antonio Conte.
He departed City under a cloud, too, leaving him with a burning desire to prove a point.
De Bruyne expected to be handed a new contract, but was instead told that they would not extend his deal.
They also did not believe they could match the player’s desire to stay one of their first names on the team sheet.
Marseille were interested, with sporting director Medhi Benatia publicly admitting he had failed in an approach, but the evergreen De Bruyne has certainly looked at home in his new environs in Italy.
His return would certainly provide a significant boost in their faltering Serie A title bid. FootItalia argued Napoli must consider De Bruyne replacements in January, but it remains to be seen whether they will spend big.
Dan Davis
Dan is an experienced sports journalist and part-time lecturer. An expert on Serie A and Italian football, he has produced content for the likes of the Daily Mail, Reach PLC, GiveMeSport, FourFourTwo and GRV Media. While Channel 4's iconic Football Italia was a bit before his time, the nostalgia - and pastries - fuelled his love of all things Calcio.
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