The report says De Bruyne completed much of his rehabilitation in Belgium, working with Lieven Maesschalck and his staff. He reportedly described that decision as “the best choice” and said he had “full trust” in the team guiding his recovery.
The process was not without anxiety. De Bruyne was reportedly “scared” at the beginning because of a previous hamstring problem, but he says there were no setbacks during the latest programme. “I've never had relapses or moments when I didn't feel well,” De Bruyne said, according to the update.
That is encouraging, but training-ground confidence will now have to translate into competitive football.
For Rudi Garcia, De Bruyne remains one of Belgium’s clearest creative references. His ability to find space between the lines, switch play and deliver decisive passes gives the team an attacking dimension few midfielders can replicate.
De Bruyne is not claiming to be at his peak immediately. He reportedly believes that “after a couple of games” he will recover his best form, while hoping to reach top condition “as soon as possible”. That measured assessment may be as important as the headline declaration that he feels ready.
The injury also disrupted what De Bruyne reportedly viewed as a positive start to life at Napoli. His recent comments about being happy Antonio Conte was no longer coach have added a separate layer of tension, with assistant Cristian Stellini reportedly responding that De Bruyne had “never shown enthusiasm” during his first season.
Belgium now offers a chance to shift the conversation back to football. The opening World Cup fixture will reveal whether De Bruyne can contribute immediately-or whether his comeback will need to develop match by match.