Napoli have received a major boost for the rest of the Serie A season as Kevin De Bruyne nears a return from injury.
Kevin De Bruyne Return Date Confirmed
Antonio Conte has been bombarded with injuries during the 2025/26 campaign, but the Napoli boss has finally received some positive news over some returns.
The most notable piece of news comes through Kevin De Bruyne, as the Belgian is set to make a return to isolated training in the week commencing February 23rd.
Napoli have been unable to call upon De Bruyne since October 25th, as the Belgium international sustained a high-grade muscular tear in his right thigh while scoring against Inter Milan.
The former Manchester City star has missed 23 matches after his surgery on October 29th and Napoli have failed to meet expectations during the Belgian’s absence.
Antonio Conte’s side suffered a shocking exit from the Champions League group stage and are nine-points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Although De Bruyne will return to training before the end of February, the 34-year-old is not expected to feature in a matchday squad until the end of the season.
Napoli suffered another blow in the final week of January as Giovanni Di Lorenzo required foot surgery after picking up an injury against Fiorentina on January 31st.
The Italian is expected to be out for over a month, but the Partenopei will see Amir Rrahmani and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic make a full return to the side before March.
Frank Anguissa and Billy Gilmour are still dealing with long-term injuries, making De Bruyne’s return to the midfield highly-anticipated.
Antonio Conte will be eager to put De Bruyne back in the starting eleven, but Napoli’s board are concerned over the Belgian’s fitness going into the 2026/27 season.
Napoli Question De Bruyne Future
De Bruyne joined Napoli as a free agent in the 2025 summer transfer window, ending a 10-year spell with Manchester City and the Belgian midfield made a strong start to his Serie A career.
The 34-year-old scored four goals in his eight league appearances before injury and the six-time Premier League winner was on course to set record numbers in Italy.
Napoli are considering a move for another former Manchester City star that’s available as a free agent, as Raheem Sterling considers a Serie A Move.
De Bruyne could play a big part in Sterling’s future due to their relationship, but Napoli are reportedly questioning the Belgian’s future in Italy.
Aurelio De Laurentiis has concerns over De Bruyne’s recent issues with injury, alongside the fact the Belgian will be 35-years-old going into the 2026/27 season.
His current deal does not expire until June 2027 and includes an option for a further year, but Napoli are unlikely to trigger this extension if De Bruyne faces another spell on the sidelines.
