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Kevin De Bruyne is expected to be sidelined for months with the injury he suffered during Napoli's victory over Inter Milan on Saturday.
The former Manchester City star left the pitch in tears just moments after scoring the game's opener from the penalty spot.
Having slotted his spot-kick away, De Bruyne immediately winced while clutching his hamstring as Napoli coach Antonio Conte watched on nervously.
He was treated by the Serie A champions' medics but unfortunately De Bruyne, who's struggled with injuries in recent years, had to be withdrawn.
It has now been revealed that the Belgian captain suffered a 'high grade lesion to the femoral bicep in the right thigh' - an injury which it's estimated could keep him out of action for up to four months.
A statement released by Napoli today read: 'Following the injury that occurred during the match against Inter, Kevin De Bruyne underwent instrumental tests at the Pineta Grande Hospital and that showed a high-grade lesion to the femoral bicep in his right thigh.
Kevin De Bruyne is expected to be sidelined for months with the injury he suffered in Napoli's win against Inter Milan
The former Manchester City star immediately clutched his hamstring after slotting home the game's opener
He left in tears, likely aware of the extent of his injury, and Napoli have made a statement
'The Napoli player has already begun the rehabilitation process.'
Though the Conte-managed club did not give an expected return date for the 34-year-old, it's understood his injury is similar to that suffered by Romelu Lukaku during pre-season.
De Bruyne's Belgium team-mate is yet to return to action and isn't expected to do so until January at the earliest.
Despite De Bruyne's absence, Napoli went on to win the top of the table clash with Inter Milan 3-1 thanks to further goals from Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa after a difficult week.
The Italian giants went into the match on the back of consecutive defeats. The first coming against Torino the previous Saturday before a shocking 6-2 loss at PSV in the Champions League.
The defeat in Holland sparked fury from Conte, who went as far as to label his club's decision to recruit nine new players - including De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund - a 'mistake'.
He told reporters post-match: 'Last year, we won an extraordinary and incredible championship, where everyone pushed their limits with great unity and unity across the board. This year, however, between playing so many games and bringing in so many players.
'In my opinion, nine new players were too many. We weren't balanced. I've always said this year would be difficult; there are some aspects that need to be absorbed over time.
Napoli nevertheless went on to beat Inter Milan just days after Antonio Conte criticised his own players
The ruthless Italian boss claimed signing nine new recruits was a 'mistake' after his side slumped to a 6-2 Champions League loss at PSV
'This is the level of the Champions League. We have little to say and a lot to work on, even though we know it will take a lot of effort. I experience the dressing room every day, so I say certain things; we mustn't despair. We'll try to recreate last year's chemistry.
'We need to humble ourselves, I've been telling you this for a while. Some people in Naples are blowing smoke, and that's a club that always needs to be told the truth.
'Both old and new (players) need to step up their game. We all need to step up, regardless of the sending-off. If we want to grow and build something that can make Napoli proud, we need to understand that we need to get back to last year, where only the good of Napoli was at stake.'
The victory over Inter nevertheless saw Conte's side return to the top of the league, level on points with Roma.
They're next in action on Tuesday evening away at Lecce.
