Kevin De Bruyne made his long-awaited return from injury during Manchester City’s FA Cup clash with Huddersfield Town on Sunday afternoon.
Belgium international De Bruyne, one of the best midfielders in the world, has been missing since the Cityzens’ first Premier League game of the season back in August when he suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of the 3-0 win at Burnley.
The 32-year-old was named in the squad for the 2-0 victory over Sheffield United in City’s last game of 2023 but finally re-entered the fray in the FA Cup third round tie with Huddersfield at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne came on with his side 3-0 up after goals from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Oscar Bobb, though Foden soon grabbed a brace before Jeremy Doku – also returning from injury – struck City’s fifth from a De Bruyne assist.
The former Wolfsburg star’s return is a major boost as City look to ditch the malaise that plagued them during the first half of the 2023/24 season.
Guardiola’s side are third in the Premier League table and five points off leaders Liverpool, while they are heavily expected to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League after drawing Copenhagen in the last 16.
While City won in Europe last season, there may be unfinished business for De Bruyne, who was substituted 36 minutes into the final in Istanbul due to injury as his side squeezed past Inter.
His link-up play with Erling Haaland was particularly important as City overhauled Arsenal to win the league title last season. The 32-year-old contributed 16 assists alongside seven goals.
While De Bruyne and Doku returned, there is concern for defender Manuel Akanji who came off in the first half after suffering a leg injury from a robust challenge.
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