SSC Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly nearing his return to Serie A action. After a lengthy absence due to a thigh injury, the creative lynchpin is targeting an early to mid-March 2026 comeback.
Reports emerged on February 18, 2026, from Goal.com, claiming De Bruyne was flying back to Italy. This suggested his rehabilitation abroad was wrapping up. But official club statements confirming this travel haven’t materialized.
Injury trackers like FotMob and SportsGambler consistently list his return around March 6 or early-mid March 2026. This timeline aligns with the idea that he’s in the final stretch. He’s been a long-term absentee, missing at least eight matches for Napoli.
Napoli’s Midfield Missing Its Spark
De Bruyne’s absence has been a major blow for Napoli’s midfield. They’ve been without several key players recently, creating real headaches for the squad. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour also had muscle and groin issues, respectively.
Gilmour was expected back mid-February, which is some relief. But it’s not just the midfield taking hits. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo (knee) is out until early April, and attackers David Neres (ankle) and Romelu Lukaku (physical discomfort) have also been sidelined.
FotMob’s reports show a truly depleted squad in recent weeks. This forced weakened lineups, especially against teams like Hellas Verona.
Against Verona, Napoli controlled possession with 70%. But they generated less expected goals (1.22 xG) than Verona’s 1.82 xG. This shows a clear struggle to turn dominance into dangerous chances without their full complement of players.
What Kevin De Bruyne Brings Back
Before his thigh injury, Kevin De Bruyne made quite an impression at Napoli. He had 4 goals in just 8 appearances, a good return for any midfielder. His creativity and goal threat would be a huge boost for the team’s Serie A campaign.
His move from Manchester City was a big surprise for many. It signaled a real statement of intent for Napoli’s ambitions. De Bruyne’s arrival generated significant buzz around the club.
But, he’s no stranger to injury problems. He had hamstring issues at City too, missing chunks of seasons there. This thigh/muscle issue fits that pattern.
At 34 in 2026, there’s always a risk of re-injury with these muscle problems. But if he gets back to form, he’s the kind of player who can drive Napoli’s push for a top-four finish. His presence alone lifts the whole team’s morale.
Uncertainty Amidst Optimism
While the excitement from the Goal.com headline is there, official confirmation on his flight home is still missing. We’re relying on injury trackers for the most concrete timelines. Still, the consensus points to an imminent return.
Napoli needs all the help they can get right now. They’re up against healthier rivals like Inter and Juventus in the title race, or at least a top-four battle. Getting De Bruyne back could really shift things for them.
SportsGambler’s data shows Napoli’s vulnerability due to these multiple injuries. The squad depth is stretched thin, even with suspensions adding pressure, like Pasquale Mazzocchi.
So, De Bruyne coming back could be the shot in the arm they need for upcoming fixtures, maybe even against Roma. Everyone’s waiting to see him on the pitch again. His return might turn Napoli’s season around.
