WHAT THEY SAID: De Bruyne told HBVL: “I have never experienced this before, I have never had such a serious injury. A hamstring operation is not very common either. After the match against Burnley, we took scans, referred to several surgeons and they all said I needed surgery.

“We are now three months in and I am doing very well, everything is on track. I underwent my surgery with Geert Declercq. City are in daily contact with him and Lieven. But they have not given me a deadline for when I will be able to play football again.

“They want everything to be completely fine when I restart. This is an injury due to the succession of matches and risks I have taken throughout my injury. I already have more than 700 matches on the counter. Actually, you can compare it to a car that once had to go to the garage for major maintenance.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: De Bruyne is a City legend but Pep Guardiola’s men are showing they can still be successful without him. The veteran’s contract expires at the Etihad in 2025 and he has also been linked with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays. If his injuries continue, De Bruyne’s days at City could be numbered.

WHAT NEXT? City are next in action on Saturday at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League.