Kevin De Bruyne targets Club World Cup for Man City return after serious injury

Posted Sunday, September 24, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE: Kevin De Bruyne is hoping to return from injury for the Club World Cup as the Manchester City talisman suffered a serious calf injury at the start of the new campaign

Crocked Kevin De Bruyne is targeting the Club World Cup for his Manchester City return.

The City skipper has been missing since the start of the season after suffering a recurrence of a serious calf injury, which required surgery. But he is no longer using crutches and the club’s medical department expect him to resume training next month as he steps up his recovery.

De Bruyne, 32, is optimistic that could mean he plays a part in City’s bid to continue their clean sweep of the game’s major trophies. Last season’s Treble winners will be favourites to be crowned world club champions when the FIFA tournament kicks off on Dec 2 in Saudi Arabia.

City, though, are wary about rushing back De Bruyne after his previous problems in August.

Etihad boss Pep Guardiola was accused of including the midfielder too soon when he hobbled off in the 30th minute of the win at Burnley in the first Premier League game of the season.

The Manchester City midfielder was forced to undergo surgery after suffering a reoccurrence of severe calf injury (Image: Javier Garcia/REX/Shutterstock)

The ex-Chelsea man had spent most of the summer on the treatment table after managing the troublesome calf injury during the final weeks of the last term.

But the fact City are in such rude health right now, cruising towards more glory - even without De Bruyne pulling the strings - means Guardiola will have the luxury of easing his five-time Premier League winner into action.