Napoli could be set to pay a significant amount of money to Kevin De Bruyne while he's unavailable following a freak injury suffered against Inter Milan.
De Bruyne joined the Serie A champions on a free transfer in the summer after his contract expired at Manchester City following 10 trophy-laden seasons.
The Belgian has made 11 appearances in all competitions for Antonio Conte's side but now looks set to spend an extended period on the sidelines after suffering an injury in his latest showing.
Following a shock 6-2 loss to PSV in the Champions League on Tuesday, Napoli returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Inter.
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De Bruyne opened the scoring with a penalty but after finding the net, did not even celebrate as he immediately clutched his right thigh in grimace.
The 34-year-old was immediately substituted in the 37th minute, leaving the pitch with tears in his eyes having suffered a third consecutive injury playing against Inter after previous set-backs for City.
Napoli issued an update on the injury, posting an official statement which read: "Following the injury that occurred during the match against Inter, Kevin De Bruyne underwent instrumental tests at the Pineta Grande Hospital and that showed a high-grade lesion to the femoral bicep in his right thigh.
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"The player has already started the rehabilitation process."
The injury normally has a lay-off of around five months, meaning March could be a possible timeframe for a return.
De Bruyne is Napoli's top earner by a considerable distance, collecting around £9.8 million-per-year or £188,000-a-week according to Capology.
Napoli are therefore likely to pay their talisman around £4.14 million up until he is fit and available for selection again.
De Bruyne's recent injuries explained
The former Chelsea man has been plagued by muscle injuries in recent times, missing 30 games for City and Belgium in the 2023/24 campaign after popping his hamstring in the Champions League final against Inter.
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He started City's first game of the season against Burnley in 2023 but the same issue occurred and after being assessed by specialists, who said his hamstring was like "a wet paper towel", it was decided that De Bruyne undergo surgery which put him out for five months.
De Bruyne returned to help clinch an unprecedented fourth Premier League title but at the start of last season, he struggled with a groin issue which left him sidelined for a period of 44 days and took away some of his power.
Again he showed strength to come back and finish the season in a strong matter but City decided against extending his stay and gave him a special send-off before De Bruyne signed a two-year contract with Napoli.
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Conte's men are top of the table after taking 18 points from eight games but will now have to find a way to cope without one of the all-time midfield greats.
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, Napoli
Josh Lawless