Article body analysed
De Bruyne has started 10 of Napoli's 11 matches this season Napoli midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after significantly injuring his thigh as he scored a penalty against Inter Milan. The 34-year-old clutched his right thigh after opening the scoring in the 33rd minute on Saturday and was substituted a few minutes later. The Belgium playmaker was taken to hospital and scans confirmed a high-grade tear. Reigning champions Napoli, who beat Inter Milan 3-1 to return to the top of Serie A, have not put a timeline on his return to action. De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer from Manchester City in June. He has scored four goals in eight league appearances and has made a further three appearances in the Champions League. Napoli go top of Serie A with win against Inter Did Man City let De Bruyne leave too soon? De Bruyne completes Napoli move after Man City exit Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast 'Four or five serious bids' for Sheffield Wednesday Norris has been through the mill - but this was a statement win Verma replaces Rawal in India squad for semi-final Can ready meal production be made greener? Clare Balding faithfully shares her favourite music The Aussie twist on Death in Paradise is returning soon The science and maths of playing The Traitors Norris has been through the mill - but this was a statement win How to beat the unbeatable - can anybody stop Australia? 'People are afraid' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal are team to beat 'The Thomas Frank effect' - but is there more to come from Spurs? Can Hearts make impossible possible by winning Premiership? Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? How is Baller League doing in bid to 'bring back football'? Burnley snatch late win in thriller at Wolves. Video Burnley snatch late win in thriller at Wolves Real Madrid impress but Vinicius tension grows - Clasico talking points What next for heavyweight division after Wardley win? Fan anger, rock bottom - what next for Pereira and Wolves? Awful & outplayed - Slot must look closer to home to end Liverpool slump 914 miles, 185 fans - doing English football's longest away day Error-prone England suffer Ashes 'torture' at Wembley Why rookies are shining in record start to NFL season 'Being gay didn't feel normal, until I became a footballer' Vote for your BBC Women's Footballer of the Year The ultimate Ashes competitor - Broad on walking, Warner and that final wicket Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.