Manchester City ace Kevin de Bruyne admits he's been playing with pain for much of the season.

De Bruyne, 30, has endured a frustrating campaign thus far. His three goals and one assist from 14 appearances pales in comparison to his incredible output of seasons gone by.

"It's a bit harder than usual this year," he said. "It's not too bad, I think, but it has been a bit difficult physically and mentally.

"I came back with a lot of pain after the holidays, and then at the start of the season, I had my face against the wall.

"I've had some serious pain, but it's starting to get better. I just needed more time than expected."

The Belgian suffered a fractured nose and eye socket following a collision with Antonio Rudiger and said last month that he has no recollection of the incident.

"I don't remember a lot, I don't remember how I got into the hospital on the night itself," De Bruyne said.

"There are not a lot of memories after the incident. Is that dark? Maybe. I got back in the morning to the team hotel at 10am still with my City kit on!

"The last six months has been up and down, playing but not really training. I was in quite some pain with my ankle so it was good that we took the time off. I feel much better and feel myself getting stronger."