Manchester City fans have reason to rejoice as Kevin De Bruyne has been included in the club’s FIFA Club World Cup squad, hinting at a potential return to action.
The Belgian midfielder, sidelined since the opening day of the season due to a hamstring injury requiring surgery, had initially targeted January for his comeback.
However, the inclusion in the prestigious tournament squad raises hopes that he might make an earlier return.
De Bruyne suffered a hamstring injury on the Premier League’s opening day, and subsequent assessments revealed the need for surgery.
The setback forced the influential playmaker to miss a significant portion of the season, impacting City’s midfield dynamics.
Manchester City is set to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, with ambitions to secure their first-ever world champions title.
De Bruyne’s inclusion in the squad suggests that manager Pep Guardiola might consider integrating him into the team during the tournament, potentially providing a boost to City’s midfield creativity.
While the inclusion is promising, Guardiola remains cautious and emphasizes patience in De Bruyne’s recovery process.
The manager acknowledges the significance of allowing the Belgian sufficient time to regain full fitness and form after a prolonged absence.