Kevin De Bruyne returns to Napoli training after four months out

After more than four months of uncertainty, Kevin De Bruyne is finally back. The Belgian midfielder has returned to training with Napoli, marking the end of a long recovery that kept fans anxiously waiting.

The 34-year-old rejoined the squad at Castel Volturno, taking part in team sessions again under the guidance of Antonio Conte. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Belgian’s return is a massive boost for the “Partenopei” just as the season enters its decisive phase.

The injury that halted his season

The nightmare began on October 25, 2025, during a Serie A match against Inter. It was a bittersweet moment for the Belgian playmaker.

De Bruyne successfully converted a penalty, but moments later he pulled up clutching his right thigh.

The diagnosis was severe: a high-grade tear of the biceps femoris, an injury serious enough to require surgery.

The operation took place in Antwerp, Belgium, after which the midfielder began a lengthy rehabilitation process that kept him away from competitive football for 128 days. Part of his recovery took place in his home country with medical specialists before he returned to Italy to complete the final stage.

For a player who had already dealt with similar muscle problems in the past, the challenge was enormous. However, the recovery eventually progressed better than expected.

A return that could change Napoli’s destiny

The return of Kevin De Bruyne comes at a crucial moment for Napoli. Antonio Conte’s side is still fighting to secure European qualification while attempting to keep pace with the Milan clubs at the top of the table.

Without him, Napoli had to adapt in midfield, relying heavily on players such as Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour.

For Conte, regaining what many consider one of the most creative midfielders of his generation could be the decisive factor in the final stretch of the season.

Could he play against Torino?

The big question now is when he will return to competitive action. According to reports from Italian media, De Bruyne could even be included in the squad for the upcoming match against Torino.

Napoli’s medical staff remains cautious. The plan is to reintegrate him gradually to avoid any risk of relapse, particularly given the nature of his injury and his age.

However, optimism inside the club is growing. Antonio Conte himself reportedly admitted that the Belgian’s recovery has progressed faster than initially expected.

If everything continues according to plan, “King Kev” could make his comeback sooner than anticipated, a development that could dramatically reshape Napoli’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.

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