Manchester City have confirmed that defender Martin Demichelis is expected to be sidelined for six weeks due to a knee injury.

Reports emerged last night claiming that the 32-year-old had suffered the blow during a practice match at City's training ground.

The news comes just five days after Demichelis joined the former Premier League champions from Atletico Madrid to provide manager Manuel Pellegrini with defensive cover.

A statement on the club's official website said: "The club doctor confirmed a scan last night revealed ligament damage, but that surgery is not required."

Due to the absence of both Demichelis and captain Vincent Kompany, City only have two recognised centre-backs at their disposal - Matija Nastasic and Joleon Lescott.