17 | Kevin De Bruyne - 2023/24

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The mind is willing and able but sadly the body is broken.

Sad to see but is it a surprise?

Game management will be needed for the rest of his career with us, the rampaging KDB is no more sadly.

Vital that we bring in a top quality creative player in now so he can learn from the master.

Pep said last season his game time needs to be managed and in the second half of the season he had a big impact on our season. He took Arsenal apart at the Etihad and whilst his games from now will probably be restricted due to injury, I'm not prepared to write him off yet.

 

[heslops barnet]

Pep said last season his game time needs to be managed and in the second half of the season he had a big impact on our season. He took Arsenal apart at the Etihad and whilst his games from now will probably be restricted due to injury, I'm not prepared to write him off yet.

surprised to see him start last night…..

 

[Keeper!]

Pep said last season his game time needs to be managed and in the second half of the season he had a big impact on our season. He took Arsenal apart at the Etihad and whilst his games from now will probably be restricted due to injury, I'm not prepared to write him off yet.

Same here but it's time to get in a long term replacement, KDB's games are going to be limited.

 

[blueinsa]

His body is sadly beginning to let him down and his face and frustration last night said it all.

We have a fantastic squad, give him a real break and get him as fit and as near to 100% as he can be before bringing him back in.

 

[Exeter Blue I am here]

Back within a month would be my guess. Can’t blame pep for playing him. How else is he going to get match fit?

Speedy recovery hopefully. Team is not the same without him.

Maybe it’s time pep trusted either Phil or Jack to deputise? Seems Bernie is preferred which is grand now with kova in with Rodri.

If his hamstring has gone again in the same place and he’s already once delayed surgery, I’d say that’s wishful thinking. If 2 months’ rest wasn’t enough last time, then I’m struggling to see how he’ll now be back in half the time, this time. Double maybe.
Kev and City have got a big decision to make. Take the surgery option now and all but write this season off, or gamble that more conventional remedies such as physio will strengthen it sufficiently to prevent another recurrence, but knowing that if it doesn’t he may end up damaging it to the point of no return.
Fingers crossed it’s not as bad as his demeanour suggested it might be last night

 

[Deleted member 77198]

I can’t believe he started last night. Saying that, if he’s felt something after 23 minutes he might well have felt it if he came on for the last half hour.

He needs a proper rest now and not seen again until he’s 100%. No chancey 20 minutes here or there if he’s 75%, just get him right.

 

[warringtonblue]

No my friend, check it out again.
5 weeks it was and then off to Asia.
We all thought he'd miss some PL matches before coming back. He simply needs to be top fit. He wasn't.

Hes not played competitive football for nearly 2 months. Do you not think he was assessed before Sunday and last night by citys highly qualified medical staff or are you just playing the hindsight expert here?
How do you not know the plan was to take him off after 55 minutes or so?

 

[Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese]

Sadly I think he may only be here 1-2 more seasons including this one, so pep has to replace him and what he brings from within the current squad or bring someone new in. Even with a blank check in the transfer market I don't see an obvious replacement. Big season for foden perhaps.....

 

[warringtonblue]

I felt it at the time last week, it was too soon. Furious at the club for bringing him back so early

Maybe you should give city's highly trained medical team the benefit of your expertise in this field of professional athletes fitness assessments

 

[stablemcfc]

Seemed an odd decision to start him given the pre-season minutes but if it was going to happen the silver lining is the transfer window is still open and it will likely force our hand to strengthen in attack.

We usually manage to cope surprisingly well without him in the past, hopefully the same again.