With Kevin De Bruyne ruled out for the next 3-5 months, FootItalia highlights four reasons why a temporary replacement must be considered. The Napoli star suffered a high-grade tear to his thigh in the act of scoring a penalty against Inter Milan on matchday 8. De Bruyne was left in clear discomfort and had to […]
With Kevin De Bruyne ruled out for the next 3-5 months, FootItalia highlights four reasons why a temporary replacement must be considered.
The Napoli star suffered a high-grade tear to his thigh in the act of scoring a penalty against Inter Milan on matchday 8. De Bruyne was left in clear discomfort and had to be helped off the pitch by coaching staff.
His goal helped the champions to a 3-1 win in Naples. However, as priceless as the three points were, the result has been tarnished by the news of De Bruyne’s diagnoses.
🇧🇪 More on Kevin De Bruyne’s injury. The Belgian Red Devil opted for surgery and will undergo the operation this Wednesday in Antwerp and should be out for a period of three to five months of recovery.
🙏🏼 Get well soon KDB#Napoli #DiablesRouges pic.twitter.com/6o8wdtrEdC
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) October 28, 2025
The Kevin De Bruyne Injury Nullifies Napoli’s Attacking Options
With Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku also on the sidelines, Gli Azzurri’s attacking options have been well and truly blighted.
In fact, Antonio Conte is trying to navigate a number of injury problems at present. Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund is also struggling but he will return to action sooner rather than later.
Losing a player of De Bruyne’s caliber is a huge blow. Since moving to Naples in the summer, the veteran superstar has registered four goals and two assists in 11 appearances.
Naturally, his prolonged absence will be felt. It remains to be seen with his teammates will be able to step up but Conte will surely be thinking of drafting in a January replacement.
Scott McTominay Reportedly Wants To Quit Napoli
Although Scott McTominay hasn’t quite hit the dizzy heights of his debut campaign, the 2024-25 Serie A MVP is reportedly looking for an English Premier League return.
McTominay is the most likely candidate to step up and provide precious goals and assists in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne. However, various outlets suggest he is struggling with life off the pitch.
Already a solid fans favorite at the Maradona Stadium, McTominay is struggling to adjust to the extended fame and attention. If the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominee was to quit, that leaves Napoli in a genuine spot of bother.
Antonio Conte would literally have no choice but to seek a number of replacements. Especially as De Bruyne won’t return to at least February. Even then, it will take a number of games to return to full match fitness.
Napoli’s Scudetto Chances Could Be Derailed
It’s plainly obvious but Kevin De Bruyne’s injury has a strong possibility of derailing Napoli’s Serie A title chances. The period between now and the new year could literally make or break their season.
With that in mind, finding a replacement to occupy the months of January, February and March could prove hugely pivotal in making it back-to-back Scudetto’s.
If Antonio Conte’s side does undergo a dip in form, finding a suitable player that mirrors De Bruyne’s attributes and style of play will have the potential to get Gli Azzurri back on track.
Naturally, that will be a lot easy said than done. Especially as bigger deals are hard to strike in the winter window. However, plenty of fringe players will likely be available on loan and provide an economically viable option.
The January Transfer Window Will Provide A Number Of Alternatives For Kevin De Bruyne
Across Europe, a number of star names will all be frustrated with a lack of game time from the first half of the 2025-26 campaign. The solution? Seek new employment.
Acquiring from a league rival such as AC or Inter Milan and even Juventus will typically be difficult. The trio will not want to do business mid-season with a title rival unless absolutely necessary.
Therefore, the likes of England, Spain and France’s top-flights must come under the microscope. In the Premier League especially, a number of attacking midfielders will likely be readily available.
So too in LaLiga and Ligue 1. Of course, it will be borderline impossible to fully replace someone of Kevin De Bruyne’s quality.
Nonetheless, there will be plenty of candidates out there who could step in on a temporary basis. Especially those who are already adapting to the style of soccer often portrayed in Italy.
