Pep Guardiola fears Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte will be out until after next month’s international break.
The Manchester City pair suffered injuries in Sunday’s EFL Cup win against Chelsea, which will potentially side-line them for more than a month.
Fernandinho damaged his groin, while Laporte sustained a hamstring injury at Wembley.
Fernandinho’s absence leaves Guardiola with a huge void to fill over a period of five games before the March internationals, which include Schalke in the Champions League and an FA Cup quarter final at Swansea.
The City manager opted against moving for cover in midfield during the January window after missing out on Ajax star Frenkie de Jong.
He decided to wait until the summer to recruit a long-term successor for Fernandinho – but it has left him short of alternatives during the 33-year-old’s lay off.
City will also be without John Stones and Gabriel Jesus for Wednesday’s game against West Ham – but Fernandinho is likely to be the biggest loss.
Guardiola said: “We were without John and Gabriel and they still out. Now it’s Dinho and Aymer. I don’t know (how long).
“The next weeks they’ll be out, but hopefully after the international break. I think John and Gabriel are coming back soon. The other two, hopefully the Swansea game, or after international break.
“I’m pretty sure Fernandinho cannot play against Schalke in the Champions League because he’s suspended. We are going to take a risk in Swansea and see after the international break.”
City have at least been boosted by the return of Benjamin Mendy, who has trained over the past four days and is in contention to feature against West Ham, following a meniscus operation.
Guardiola, meanwhile, claims Manuel Pellegrini should get a warm reception from City fans in recognition of his three trophies at the Etihad.
Pellegrini won the Premier League title and two EFL Cups during his time at the club – the same haul as Guardiola.
“He did an incredible job,” said Guardiola. “The league he won, the way he played. It was a good team.
“I have a lot of respect for the people who played and managed here and especially Manuel.
“He’s an excellent person, polite and shows respect.”
