Manchester City defender John Stones has been ruled out until after the September international break.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the news in the aftermath of Man City's 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday night.
Stones missed that clash, as well their season opener versus Burnley, with the England defender also remaining an unused substitute in their Super Cup win over Sevilla last Wednesday.
The 29-year-old featured prominently in the tail-end of last season, playing in all of City's important clashes on their way to the treble.
Stones started in both legs of their Champions League quarter-final and semi-finals, as well as the final of that competition and the FA Cup.
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However, a muscle injury picked up in pre-season means that the defender is yet to play a minute of action since the season began.
City face Sheffield United and Fulham before players reconvene with their national sides in early September.
Stones will join teammate Kevin De Bruyne on the sidelines for the two matches, after the Belgian underwent hamstring surgery recently.
While Stones will miss both of those upcoming encounters, he is also set to miss out on Gareth Southgate's upcoming England squad.
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England face Ukraine in neutral Wroclaw in Euro 2024 qualifying, before a friendly with Scotland at Hampden Park on September 12.
Stones has long been a regular in defence for England, playing every game at the last three major tournaments.
However, with England in such a strong position in qualifying having won their opening four matches, his absence may not be too damaging.
England face Italy at Wembley in October in what is set to be the game which will decide the fate of both nations, with the Three Lions knowing that a win will secure qualification.
Andrew Delaney
