Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of the Manchester derby.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists the Argentine will not recover from a thigh injury in time to face Manchester United on December 7.
Aguero pulled up with a muscle strain during the 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday, with subsequent tests confirming Guardiola’s worst fears.
“He’ll miss the derby,” said the City manager. “He’ll be out for a few games, a few weeks. Exactly (how long) I don’t know. It’s his thigh.
"The derby is in two weeks. Maybe we will have a miracle, but I don’t think so.”
Aguero’s absence is a major blow to City as they bid to chase down Premier League leaders Liverpool’s nine-point title lead.
It means Gabriel Jesus will deputise against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday night and be relied upon during a crucial stage of the season.
“It is the toughest period now,” said Guardiola. “November, January, February - a lot of games. It’s what it is.
“We’d prefer to have everyone. My advice to everyone is ‘don’t think too much. Don’t think about who is in the massage room'.
“We have enough good players, enough quality. The mentality is going to give us extra. Maybe it will help us.
“I never came here and said after or before the game that we didn’t have this player or that.
“I am so sorry, but it’s the best thing to move forward. People don’t care if you have injuries.
“Find solutions with the players we have.”
