Kevin De Bruyne injury nightmare for Man City with Premier League star set for lengthy absence
Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss a huge chunk of Man City's Premier League campaign
PA
Manchester City have suffered a huge blow with Kevin De Bruyne set to miss the next three to four months through injury.
The Belgium international, who has become a Premier League legend during his spell at the Etihad Stadium, was forced out of his side's 3-0 win over Burnley on Friday.
And, now, Pep Guardiola has confirmed the midfielder is set to be absent for the foreseeable future.
"We have to decide his surgery," the Spaniard said ahead of his side's European Super Cup showdown with Sevilla on Wednesday night.
Kevin De Bruyne will be a huge loss to Man City after limping out of Burnley win
PA
"Will be a few months out. We will decide in the next days. Surgery is surgery, three or four months out."
When asked if his side will be able to cope without De Bruyne for that long, he continued: Of course. The injury for Kevin is a blow, a big loss. He has specific qualities.
"For a long time is really tough for us. We have to look forward.
"We have alternatives. Kevin is irreplaceable, but we have talented players. They will take it."
When asked if De Bruyne will see Dr Ramon Cugat, Guardiola confirmed this by saying: "He saw the images, saw them personally. Two or three doctors had the same opinion."
One player who can benefit from De Bruyne's absence is Phil Foden.
Guardiola has faced criticism for not always starting the talented England international, despite the ability he possesses.
And the Man City boss feels both Foden and Mateo Kovacic can now step up and deliver in De Bruyne's absence.
"He can play there and outside too," stated the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss.
"Kova can play there. We have a squad for finding a solution."
City will face Sevilla in the Super Cup having finally ended their wait for a maiden Champions League trophy.
Last season's treble winners had been forced to go without the trophy but managed to secure the prize back in June following a 1-0 win over Inter Milan.
Guardiola says it is a 'relief' that City have ended that wait - but insists they must secure more trophies and can't relent in their quest for success.
"It's a relief. To tell you that you can be seven years without winning the CL, it's difficult to win," said the 52-year-old.
"It's not enough, otherwise we leave everyone at home because we have done it.
"We are hungry enough to compete, to challenge ourselves. If someone wants to take our three crowns they can fight us to take it."
On Sevilla, he added: To be here in this conference to play tomorrow, the game you have to win the Champions League or Europa League. It's not easy.
"Maybe for Sevilla is easier because they won a lot of Europa Leagues. They are a team when they play good they win.
"Their character and resilience. They have something that makes this club.
"I have the feeling it makes them more dangerous against us.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken out ahead of Sevilla showdown
PA
"You cannot imagine how happy we are to play this game because we have to win the Champions League. We have to take this opportunity, who knows when we are back."
You may like
