And supporters were relieved to see him emerge walking from the dugout at the final whistle.
Fans of City and other clubs were left horrified by the scenes and were quick to condemn Pavkov on social media.
“Absolutely disgusting challenge on Leroy Sane there,” one fan said on Twitter.
“He’s been victimised this whole second half. Could have snapped his lower leg in half.”
Leroy Sane suffered a horror challenge while playing for Germany (Image: OPTUSSPORT)
Sane went down under a challenge from Milan Pavkov (Image: OPTUS SPORT)
Sane was clearly in pain and was lucky to escape without a serious injury (Image: OPTUS SPORTS)
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Another simply put: “Leroy sane is a lucky boy. Horrendous challenge.”
A third agreed: “That challenge from Pavkov on Leroy Sane is absolutely disgraceful.
“It’s one thing ‘roughing’ an opponent up a bit, but that could’ve snapped his leg in two!”
Another added: “That could have seriously injured Leroy Sane, perhaps career threatening. Utterly shameful, and unnecessary.”
Pavkov was shown a straight red card for the challenge (Image: OPTUS SPORTS)
A fifth said: “That tackle on Leroy Sane from Serbian player was absolutely awful.
“He should be ashamed with himself there it’s a f*****g friendly.”
Sane did not appear to be injured and will hope to be fit enough to face Germany’s fierce rivals Holland in their opening qualifying match for Euro 2020 in Sunday.
Manager Joachim Low criticised Pavkov for the challenge but expects Sane to be okay to play.
“It was a vicious foul," he said. "Sane was lucky to get away with not getting hurt but such fouls can break bones.”