De Bruyne posts defiant four-word message after revealing injury status
Kevin De Bruyne issued a strong statement to fans after revealing the extent of the injury he suffered during Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea on Saturday night.
City were favourites to win Europe’s elite club competition for the first time but lost 1-0 to their rivals. Kai Havertz’s 42nd-minute goal was the difference between the sides as the Blues outwitted the Premier League champions. The loss was exacerbated by the Belgium star’s injury.
He was replaced by Gabriel Jesus in the 60th minute following a collision with Antonio Rudiger. De Bruyne was visibly upset when leaving the pitch and had to go to hospital to check out his injuries.
There were few details given on Saturday night as regards the problem. The midfielder has now put that right, making it clear that City may be down but they are not out.
“Hi guys just got back from the hospital,” he posted on Twitter. “My diagnosis is Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture.
“I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back.”
There has been no timescale put on when the former Wolfsburg ace might return to action. But his participation in this summer’s delayed European Championship is not thought to be under threat.
He will line up with Belgium in Group B, with games against Denmark, Finland and Russia on the horizon.
De Bruyne may regret ‘failures’ comment
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel got the better of City chief Pep Guardiola in Portugal. It was a tactical masterclass by the German as the Blues nullified the opposition’s threat.
Prior to the game, De Bruyne outlined his thoughts on the legacy that defeat would leave.
“We’re all competitors and we all want to win. We as players understand the magnitude of the game tonight,” he said. “If you win you’re a hero. And if you lose you’re almost a failure. Even if you’re not a failure because getting to this stage is incredibly well done by the team and an individual.”
Nobody would consider City as a failure after their exploits over the past 10 months. But it was clearly the one trophy that Guardiola wanted above all others.
The immense disappointment among the players and manager was evident after the final whistle. But they are strong enough to bounce back.
And it would be no surprise to see the Etihad outfit go deep in the competition once again in 2021-2022.
READ MORE: Paper Talk: Levy all ears as Guardiola willing to lose prized asset, £70m for Kane
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