At some point in the near future, Kevin De Bruyne's time with Manchester City will come to an end. That's a possibility no one associated with the world champions wants to contemplate. But it is becoming apparent that the time that Manchester City will move forward without the club legend is drawing near.

Kevin De Bruyne has been out injured since Manchester City's nil-all draw with Inter Milan at the beginning of September. So far he has missed City's last seven games due to the groin injury he sustained against the Serie A champions. What is more concerning for Manchester City is that they are unsure when De Bruyne will return. Pep Guardiola told the media yesterday he was unsure when the club legend would be ready to return to the pitch.

Injuries have plagued Kevin De Bruyne during the past season and a bit. He missed half of last season with a severe hamstring injury. When he returned to the pitch he was crucial to Manchester City's charge to a fourth consecutive Premier League title. The hope is he can return to his magical best when he does return from the groin injury he sustained against Inter. There is no doubt that he can based on what he has achieved during his illustrious career.

But it is becoming apparent that Kevin De Bruyne's time with Manchester City is nearing an end. Age and injuries are beginning to catch up to De Bruyne. Darren Looney has reported for CaughtOffside that new MLS club San Diego FC are keen to bring De Bruyne to the MLS next season. Perhaps De Bruyne can return from injury and help drive Manchester City to more success before setting off to the MLS. That would be a storybook ending to De Bruyne's time at Manchester City.