Kevin De Bruyne suffered a severe thigh injury while converting a penalty for Napoli against Inter Milan in Serie A action, transforming his scoring celebration into immediate concern. Manager Antonio Conte had directed the Belgian midfielder to take the spot kick instead of designated taker David Neres, and De Bruyne beat goalkeeper Sommer to put his side ahead. The 33-year-old collapsed moments after his successful conversion, grabbing his right thigh muscle before medical staff carried him off the field on a stretcher as supporters at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium applauded.
Napoli's injury crisis deepened with De Bruyne joining Rasmus Hojlund, Lobotka, Alex Meret, Amir Rahmani, and Lukaku on the sidelines. Matias Oliveira replaced the stricken playmaker after he proved unable to continue. The Belgian's departure dealt another blow to the squad's depth as they navigate multiple competitions this season.
Napoli's injury crisis deepened with De Bruyne joining Rasmus Hojlund, Lobotka, Alex Meret, Amir Rahmani, and Lukaku on the sidelines. Matias Oliveira replaced the stricken playmaker after he proved unable to continue. The Belgian's departure dealt another blow to the squad's depth as they navigate multiple competitions this season.
