Kevin De Bruyne Injury: Manchester City Star Could Return for Everton, Barcelona

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is nearing full fitness and will most likely return to action for the Sky Blues' UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona on Oct. 19. 

The positive news for the Belgium international came via the Manchester Evening News' Rob Pollard, who also revealed that the 25-year-old could even be back for Saturday's home Premier League clash with Everton.

De Bruyne has been out of action with a hamstring problem since City's 3-1 Premier League win at Swansea City on Sept. 24.  

While plenty of players at the Etihad Stadium have adapted tremendously to manager Pep Guardiola's methods, few have done so as effectively as De Bruyne.

The former Wolfsburg man has been given a more important role this term, operating in the centre of midfield. And overall, he’s relished the pressure, offering intelligence, dynamism and incision in the final third.

De Bruyne may not be the flashiest player in the City squad, but he’s so decisive on the ball. His passing, in particular, is impressive, as he can tease delicate balls between defenders or fizz dangerous efforts into his team-mates' feet. They’re qualities that make him difficult to contain.

City are blessed with midfield options, with Ilkay Gundogan and David Silva both major threats in the same role. Nevertheless, De Bruyne's versatility, coupled with his tremendous all-round skill set, makes him a tough man to replace.

Despite losing to Tottenham Hotspur last time out, the Etihad Stadium faithful will likely be delighted with the team’s work under Guardiola and the exceptional football they’re playing.

Having De Bruyne back in contention is another positive for the side in sky blue ahead of a key run of fixtures both domestically and in Europe.