De Bruyne could miss 4 months with 'serious' injury, says Guardiola

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne could miss up to four months after reinjuring his hamstring in Friday's Premier League opener against Burnley, manager Pep Guardiola told reporters.

"It's a serious injury," Guardiola said Tuesday ahead of City's UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla. "We have to decide on surgery, but he will be out for a few months."

"With surgery," he added, "it would be three, four months out."

De Bruyne left the pitch 23 minutes into City's season-opening 3-0 win at Turf Moor. Guardiola confirmed the Belgian playmaker aggravated the same injury that forced him off during the Champions League final in June.

The 32-year-old said he was surprised to start Friday's Premier League match. He missed the club's entire preseason program and only appeared as a second-half substitute in the shootout defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

De Bruyne played a massive role in City's treble-winning campaign, recording 10 goals and 28 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

"It's a big loss. Kevin has specific qualities. You can (lose) it for one game, two games, but for a long time, it's really, really tough for us," Guardiola said. "But at the same time, you have to look forward, and, of course, we have alternatives there. Different skills, because the skills for Kevin are irreplaceable. But we have different, talented players, and it's an opportunity. Life gives you that."

If De Bruyne misses the next four months, he'd return just before the rush of fixtures begins during the festive period at the end of December. He'd also miss the rest of Belgium's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with five matches to go.