Manchester City’s star playmaker Kevin de Bruyne is set to miss the start of the upcoming season after suffering a significant hamstring tear during the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

Kevin de Bruyne was forced to leave the pitch in the first half of the match, and subsequent reports indicate that his injury is more severe than initially anticipated.

According to the Daily Star, the Belgian international will not be fit in time for the start of the new campaign, dealing a major blow to Manchester City’s title defense. Medical assessments have revealed that de Bruyne has sustained a Grade 3 hamstring tear, underscoring the severity of the injury.

As a result of this setback, de Bruyne will be absent from Manchester City’s much-anticipated Community Shield clash against Arsenal. The prestigious curtain-raiser match, scheduled to take place ahead of the Premier League season, will now be contested without the influential midfielder’s presence.

Furthermore, de Bruyne’s recovery timeline indicates that he will also miss Manchester City’s opening Premier League fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor. The team will undoubtedly feel the absence of their talismanic playmaker, as they seek to begin the season on a positive note and secure early points in the title race.

The absence of de Bruyne poses a significant challenge for Manchester City’s manager and the squad, as the 30-year-old has been instrumental in their recent successes. His creative vision, precise passing, and goal-scoring abilities have consistently played a crucial role in the team’s attacking prowess and overall strategy.