Fernandinho has told Aymeric Laporte his Manchester City teammates are praying for him to return to full fitness as soon as possible.
Laporte was stretchered off during the first half of City's win over Brighton with a serious-looking knee injury and he could be seen shaking his head as he was carried down the Etihad tunnel.
Fernandinho came on in place of the Frenchman and slotted in alongside Nicolas Otamendi in the centre of City's defence.
Despite Laporte's injury having given Fernandinho the opportunity to make his first appearance of the season, the 34-year-old Brazilian is hoping his teammate's injury isn't as bad as is currently feared.
"It’s not easy [to come on as a substitute], especially in the first half," Fernandinho said. "But every player should be ready to play at the time the manager needs.
"Of course now we pray that Aymeric can recover as soon as possible. We need everybody fit to fight for the title until the end of the season.
"We’ll see how long he will be out for. We don’t know yet but I’m sure John [Stones] will be back soon.
"We’ll be there ready to play wherever the manager needs."
On City's win, which was secured by a brace from Sergio Aguero as well as goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho said: "We're really pleased.
"We played well today. We scored a lot of goals and conceded a small number of chances.
"I think that’s the best way to go into international duty and get back stronger for Norwich away."
