Man City star Kevin De Bruyne makes return from injury
- Manchester City fans gave Kevin De Bruyne a standing ovation on his return
- Supporters online hailed his first appearance back after he got an assist
- IAN LADYMAN: Premier League clubs are so wrapped up in their own self-interest. They want what suits them and that’s not FA Cup replays – It’s All Kicking Off
Kevin De Bruyne set up Jeremy Doku in his long-awaited return from injury for Manchester City in a shining second-half cameo.
City fans gave the Belgian a standing ovation and chanted his name as he made his first appearance since August, immediately taking the armband and setting up Doku with a beautiful lobbed assist.
The 32-year-old limped off on the opening night of the season against Burnley with a hamstring injury and fans have long awaited his return.
Any worries that his powers might have faded after a long absence were quickly dispelled as he provided for Doku within 20 minutes of coming on.
City cruised against Huddersfield, with Phil Foden on the scoresheet twice and Julian Alvarez also bagging a goal, while Ben Jackson scored an own goal for the hapless visitors.
Kevin De Bruyne made an assist within 20 minutes of coming back on after fans chanted his name and gave him a standing ovation
Fans on social media were quick to laud the return of their hero.
‘De Bruyne’s been on for 30 seconds and he’s already influencing goals…..he’s the greatest midfielder of all time,’ wrote one on X, formerly Twitter.
‘Kevin De Bruyne returns to action for Man City after five months, pure joy man,’ said another.
‘KEVIN DE BRUYNE COMES ON,’ wrote a fan account in excitement, showing old pictures of Pep Guardiola looking emotional.
‘KEVIN DE BRUYNE YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW HAPPY I AM,’ said one in elation.
‘KEVIN DE BRUYNE IS BACK ON THE PITCH AGAIN I PRAYED FOR TIMES LIKE THIS,’ wrote another in excitement.
Pep Guardiola said he wasn’t expecting peak form from his superstar ahead of the game, but there was little sign that he had been sidelined for half a season.
De Bruyne looked his old self after his comeback, making his first appearance since August
Pep Guardiola said he didn’t expect De Bruyne to reach his regular level but he performed well
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‘I don’t ask Kevin to play at his level now. We can not force him or any player in this situation returning from a long injury,’ the Spaniard had said.
There were hopes he would make his comeback during the Club World Cup when he was featured in their squad but nobody will begrudge him concentrating on making a proper return from the treatment table.
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