Kevin de Bruyne has confessed he has been in “serious pain” this season with the Man City star admitting that his injury woes have caused difficulties “physically and mentally”.
The 30-year-old De Bruyne has endured a frustrating campaign this far in the season. His three goals and one assist from 14 appearances pales in comparison to his incredible output of seasons gone by.
Injuries have significantly contributed to De Bruyne’s figures this term. The Belgian was forced to miss games against Norwich and Arsenal earlier this campaign through an ankle injury and has started just five of 11 league games.
Consequently, De Bruyne has admitted that this season has been “harder than usual.” He also revealed he had to tolerate “serious pain” due to the nature of his injury.
He said, “it’s a bit harder than usual this year. It’s not too bad I think. But It has been a bit difficult physically and mentally”.
“I came back with a lot of pain after the holidays. And then at the start of the season, I had my face against the wall”.
“I’ve had some serious pain. But it’s starting to get better. I just needed more time than expected”.
It has been a difficult few month for De Bruyne, who was forced off injured during City’s Champions League final defeat by Chelsea in Porto.
The Belgian suffered a fractured nose and eye socket following a collision with Antonio Rudiger and said last month that he has no recollection of the incident.
‘I don’t remember a lot, I don’t remember how I got into the hospital on the night itself,’ De Bruyne said.
‘There are not a lot of memories after the incident. Is that dark? Maybe. I got back in the morning to the team hotel at 10am still with my City kit on!
‘The last six months has been up and down, playing but not really training. I was in quite some pain with my ankle so it was good that we took the time off. I feel much better and feel myself getting stronger.’