Leroy Sane will need surgery after Manchester City confirmed that he has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee.
The German winger suffered the injury in an innocuous challenge during the opening stages of Sunday's Community Shield win over Liverpool . Despite appearing to move with freedom after the game, subsequent tests have shown that Sane will require surgery to correct the problem.
Reports from Germany had claimed that there had been a tear - which would have threatened Sane's entire season - but City have only stated that there is damage.
A statement added: "He has undergone testing throughout the week, with a specialist doctor travelling to Manchester for further examinations to understand the extent of the injury.
"Leroy will have surgery in the coming week. Manchester City will provide Leroy with all the support and guidance he needs, and everyone connected with the club wishes him a quick and full recovery."
All eyes will be on Bayern Munich to see how the Bundesliga club react to the move. Niko Kovac has been fervently chasing the 23-year-old all summer but his injury has been painted as another setback in their pursuit on the back of City's stance that they will be looking for at least £135m for the player.
