ATHENS: Manchester City kick off against Sevilla in the UEFA European Super Cup in Athens having to deal with the bad news that Kevin De Bruyne is likely to be out for up to four months after suffering a hamstring injury recurrence in their Premier League opener against Burnley.

The Belgian lasted less than 20 minutes of City’s victory at Turf Moor on Friday night.

The 32-year-old was a surprise starter against the Clarets, having spent the majority of pre-season rehabilitating a hamstring strain which forced him to limp out of the Champions League Final victory over Internazionale.

De Bruyne did not make a pre-season appearance until playing as a substitute in the FA Community Shield shootout defeat by Arsenal.

Manager Pep Guardiola said: “.The City boss said: ‘”Kevin de Bruyne’s injury is serious one. He will be out for a few months. The injury is a blow, a big loss. He has specific qualities. For a long time is really tough for us.

“We have to look forward. We have alternatives. Kevin is irreplaceable, but we have talented players. They will take it.

“We have to decide on surgery or no surgery but he will be out for a few months. Surgery would mean three or four months out.”

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