Manchester City rocked by four-month injury lay-off ahead of Newcastle United clash

Manchester City will be without talisman Kevin De Bryune for Saturday evening’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United (kick-off 8pm) after Pep Guardiola confirmed the extent of the Belgian’s hamstring injury.

The 32-year-old started City’s 3-0 opening day Premier League win at Burnley but was forced off during the first half. Speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla, Guardiola provided a disappointing update.

The former Barcelona manager said: “We have to decide if it’s surgery or not surgery but he will be out for a few months. It will be decided in the next few days. Surgery is surgery. He will be out for three or four months.

“The injury for Kevin is a sore blow for us. But at the same time we have to look forward. The skills of Kevin are irreplaceable but it’s an opportunity for others and I’m sure they will take it.”

De Bryune first picked up the injury during the Champions League final in June. He recovered over the summer but lasted just 22 minutes at Turf Moor.

“He was injured again unfortunately,” Guardiola said on Friday. “It is the same place and position as the Champions League [final] and he will be out for a while.”

“He recovered well [after going off injured in the Champions League final] but now we’ve lost him again. It’s time to reflect, to talk to the doctors about what happened with him.

“He has to relax and recover and come back. He was feeling really good and playing really good in the first minutes, but unfortunately now he’s injured again.”

De Bruyne was involved in 41 goals for Man City last season, scoring 10 goals and providing 31 assists to helo secure a historic Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.