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Kevin De Bruyne: Man City reveal worrying knee injury update
MANCHESTER CITY star Kevin De Bruyne will miss three months of action as he recovers from a lateral collateral ligament injury.
Man City WILL be ok without De Bruyne says Upson
The Belgian suffered the knee injury in training earlier this week, and Manchester City fans have been fearing the worst in recent days.
De Bruyne was expected to need surgery but the club have confirmed that will not be necessary.
However, the midfielder will be out of Pep Guardiola's plans until Christmas as he recovers.
A statement on Manchester City's website read: "Manchester City can confirm Kevin De Bruyne has suffered a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) lesion in his right knee.
"No surgery is required, and the midfielder is expected to be out for around three months.
"Everyone at City wishes him a speedy return to action and mancity.com will bring you updates on his progress as we get them."
City got their Premier League title defence off to a flying start on Sunday, beating Arsenal 2-0.
De Bruyne started on the bench after his World Cup exploits with Belgium over the summer.
Obviously Kevin is a big loss but we’ve got more than enough cover
Another player who featured heavily in Russia is Kyle Walker, and the defender believes fellow countryman Phil Foden could be the man to replace De Bruyne in the middle of the park.
“Obviously Kevin is a big loss but we’ve got more than enough cover," he said.
"Phil’s a great player, he’s got great attitude and he’s a great lad.
"He wants to learn, he’s keen to listen.
Kevin De Bruyne attends premiere using crutches following injury
“I’ve met a lot of young players throughout my career who’ve kind of got a chip on their shoulder but he’s definitely not one of them.
"He’s one of those who wants to learn and he shows that in his performances – he’s keen, he’s energetic, he’s keeping people on their toes.
“Phil was very fortunate in his first season around the squad to pick up a Premier League medal – not many kids can say that they’ve done that. But he’s not rested on that."
City take on Huddersfield on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium.