Kevin De Bruyne says he is still playing with pain for Manchester City this season after a number of issues in 2021 continue to bother him.
De Bruyne was in top form as he helped City to another Premier League title and the Champions League final, but was injured in that showpiece defeat to Chelsea as he collided with Antonio Rudiger and missed the start of Euro 2020 as his face recovered.
The Belgian helped his country to the quarter-final, but was injured in that game towards the end and would miss pre-season at City before playing 11 minutes in the Premier League opener against Tottenham. However, he went on to miss the next three games and the September international break as that ankle injury returned.
Now back in the side, De Bruyne has been a common fixture for City but has struggled to repeat his influence of recent seasons despite some good performances.
Reflecting on his season, De Bruyne has admitted to struggling more than usual as he pointed to the ongoing injury concerns that he's yet to fully recover from.
“It’s a bit harder than usual this year,” he told Het Nieuwsblad while on international duty this week.
“It’s not too bad, I think, but it has been a bit difficult physically and mentally. I came back with a lot of pain after the holidays, and then at the start of the season, I had my face against the wall.
“I’ve had some serious pain, but it’s starting to get better. I just needed more time than expected.”
De Bruyne's Belgium face Estonia and Wales this week needing three points to confirm their place at next year's World Cup, although they effectively need just one point given their superior goal difference over Wales.
