Champions League final: Déjà vu as Manchester City lose Kevin de Bruyne to hamstring injury with Phil Foden sent on

Manchester City suffered a major blow to their hopes of winning a maiden Champions League title just 35 minutes into the final in Istanbul as star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury.

De Bruyne, the key playmaker of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side, went down in the 31st minute of the match and underwent some treatment before attempting to continue.

Phil Foden was immediately sent to warm up by Guardiola, shuttling up and down the sideline as De Bruyne attempted to run off the issue.

The Belgian remained involved, pushing high up the pitch alongside Erling Haaland in attack, but eventually was forced to concede that he could not go on.

Only after an uncharacteristically mis-hit pass that ran out of play did De Bruyne signal to the bench that would need to be replaced.

City were able to call on England midfield star Foden to replace the Belgian but it remains a significant loss.

De Bruyne had been heavily involved in the early stages for City, but he gave the first sign of discomfort shortly after a powerful, right-footed shot in the 28th minute.

With De Bruyne sitting on the bench looking on, Inter managed to keep City at bay until halftime.

This marks the second Champions League final in three seasons that De Bruyne has been forced out of with injury. In 2021, during the final City lost to Chelsea in Porto, the Belgian was forced off after suffering a knock to the head in a clash with Antonio Rudiger.

The 31-year-old produced an astonishing 32 assists this season as he helped City to a domestic double of Premier League and FA Cup titles.