Kevin de Bruyne’s worst fears have been confirmed as he was ruled out for what is likely to be months with a hamstring injury.
The Belgian was taken off after pulling up immediately after scoring in Napoli’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan in Serie A over the weekend.
The former Manchester City and Chelsea midfielder had converted a first-half penalty to put Antonio Conte’s side ahead at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, scoring his fourth goal in eight Serie A games.
De Bruyne netted from 12 yards to open the scoring in Naples, but he was withdrawn straight away after feeling his hamstring go.
Napoli have now confirmed that the 34-year-old will undergo a rehabilitation programme, which could see him sidelined until the new year.
"Kevin De Bruyne underwent instrumental tests at the Pineta Grande Hospital and that showed a high-grade lesion to the femoral bicep in his right thigh," Napoli’s statement read. "The player has already started the rehabilitation process."
The news will also come as a major blow to Belgium, who have some key World Cup qualifiers coming up in the November international break.
The Red Devils are currently top of Group J, with a game in hand on North Macedonia, who they lead by a point.
Wales are third, four points adrift of Belgium, and they also have played a game less than the North Macedonians.
Belgium play Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein in their remaining qualifiers next month.
