De Bruyne set for three months on the sidelines

Kevin De Bruyne is expected to be out of action for around three months with a knee injury, Manchester City have announced.

The 27-year-old was hurt during a training session on Wednesday.

Tests have revealed the midfielder will not require surgery but is likely to be sidelined until mid-November.

A statement from the Premier League champions 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.”

De Bruyne, who was one of the stars of City’s title success last season, will miss the club’s opening Champions League fixtures as well as potentially crucial league games against Liverpool and Tottenham on October 7 and 28 respectively.

It also seems unlikely he will be fit for the first derby of the season against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on 11 November.