Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that his side could be without Kevin De Bruyne for between four to six weeks.
The Belgian midfielder had to be substituted before the hour-mark against Aston Villa on Wednesday after picking up a hamstring injury.
And following a review of the scans on the 29-year-old’s hamstring on Friday morning, it was confirmed that he will be missing for up to six weeks.
De Bruyne could now miss his side’s clash with Liverpool next month, as well as Premier League fixtures with Tottenham and Arsenal.
But there was better news for City, who are currently on a nine-game winning run in all competitions, and that is that Kyle Walker is expected to return from injury next week.
“Kyle had a big impact kick in his hips but it is just a kick so he is not available for tomorrow but we wish for the next game,” the City boss said when asked for an injury update.
“Kevin, like the doctor said today after reviewing the scan, will be 4-6 weeks out.”
Before Guardiola continued on De Bruyne: “We have to move forward. I’m not saying anything that anyone doesn’t know, it is unfortunate for him and for us.
“We have to find a solution – everyone in their own life is struggling in the situation we are living. We have to adapt.”
While earlier today, De Bruyne played down fears over the long-term nature of his injury while speaking to a gamer on Twitch.
*Who is top of your Liverpool transfer wishlist? Take our quick poll here.
He said: "I'm alright. I'm alright, part of football. It's not too bad. I'm getting old, you know, not a young chicken anymore. I'm thirty in the summer."
Before the Belgian added on Walker's injury: "I think he's going to be fine, more like a knock. I don't know exactly what he has yet."
