De Bruyne Long Absent Due To Injury, Here Are The Players Who Can Be Substitute Candidates

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. (Photo: Twitter/@ManCity)

JAKARTA - Manchester City were hit hard ahead of the 2023 European Super Cup match against Sevilla, Thursday, August 17, early morning WIB. The mainstay midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, is confirmed to be absent.

De Bruyne suffered a serious hamstring injury that forced her to be absent for a long time. The player is expected to be out for four months.

De Bruyne's loss is clearly a loss, not only when facing the European Super Cup against Sevilla, but also a series of busy schedules City will face.

The club nicknamed The Citizens is still ambitious to maintain the trebles that they managed to reach for the 2022/2023 season.

Moreover, De Bruyne is known to have collaborated with Erling Haaland, City's goal engine last season. Of course it will be difficult to find a replacement.

However, that's not impossible. There are several names that City can consider filling De Bruyne's position during his recovery period, here is the list:

Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)

City first expressed their interest in Lucas Paqueta before De Bruyne's hamstring injury recurred. Now City seems to be raising the desire to bring in the player again.

Paqueta did not have the quality of attacks or assists like De Bruyne, but in the last two seasons Paqueta has grown into an extraordinary midfielder and has the confidence to step in and replace the Belgian in City.

His ability to pass through a narrow gap made him a potential asset for Pep Guardiola's team. On the other hand, the manager also admired Paqueta's versatile ability.

Julian Brandt (Burussia Dortmund)

The Citizens have shopped a lot for Borussia Dortmund players last summer by signing Erling Haaland, Manuel Akanji and Sergio Gomes. Julian Brandt could add to that list this summer.

The German international can play behind the striker as No.10 or on both sides of the midfield. He is also very productive with nine goals and eight assists last season.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)

A year ago, not many football fans had heard of the name Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. But now the Georgian has turned into one of the most coveted players in the world after helping inspire Napoli to win the Serie A title last season.

Kvaratskhelia, known as the 'Kvaradona' in Naples, scored 12 goals and ten assists in 2022/2023. The 22-year-old has amazing dribble skills and is also a fighter.