Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ilkay Gundogan is to undergo surgery on ACL injury and conceded that he will likely be without the midfielder "for a long time".
The Germany international tore the ligaments in his knee during the 2-0 win over Watford on Wednesday evening and is now expected to miss the remainder of the season after his worst fears were realised.
It is the same knee that Gundogan dislocated earlier this year, delaying his City debut upon joining from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £20m in the summer, and the 26-year-old must once again go under the knife following his latest unfortunate injury setback.
"He will be out for a long time," Guardiola told reporters. "It's so so difficult for him, it's sad for him, we're going to miss him a lot, it's unlucky, but that's football.
"Now we need him to feel we are there and wait and come back safe. He's going to be operated [upon] and be back as soon as possible."
Guardiola was unwilling to give a timeframe for the former Dortmund ace's return to action, but said that a statement will follow in the coming days confirming the severity of the damage.
Gundogan has made 16 appearances for Man City this term, scoring five goals - including a brace against Barcelona in last month's famous Champions League win at the Etihad Stadium.
Daniel Lewis
