Manchester City were dealt an early blow in the Champions League final against Inter after Kevin De Bruyne had to be substituted due to injury in a repeat of the 2021 final.
The Belgian went down off the ball holding his hamstring on 33 minutes with Pep Guardiola sending Phil Foden out to warm up as a precaution. The playmaker lasted another three minutes but signalled he needed to be replaced after overhitting a cross.
It resembled a similar scene from the 2021 final defeat to Chelsea, when De Bruyne had to be taken off on the hour after picking up a knock. This time, it came in the first half to put a dampner on a tetchy first half.
It’s not certain how he picked up the problem but he seemed to clutch his hamstring as he was treated on the pitch the first time he went down. De Bruyne’s game time has been managed this season amid concerns of over exertion.
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He has still amassed 49 appearances this season, although his final one of the campaign has been cut prematurely. De Bruyne had 26 touches before his exit, one of which was a shot shortly before he went down injured.
Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana saved the strike comfortably, with the only other first-half on target coming from Erling Haaland which thudded against the leg of the shot-stopper and away to safety.
City made no further changes at half-time, with four more available to Guardiola.
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