Kevin De Bruyne has suffered a knee injury in training and looks set for a period on the sidelines, Manchester City have confirmed.
The Belgium international enjoyed a brilliant campaign last season, scoring eight goals and setting up another 16 as City romped to Premier League success.
READ: Atletico beat Real in Super Cup thriller
However, Wednesday’s news will come as a blow to City and coach Pep Guardiola, who could be without the 27-year-old for a couple of months.
‘Kevin De Bruyne is undergoing tests on his right knee after sustaining an injury at training on Wednesday,’ read a brief statement from City.
‘The extent of the problem is not yet known and we will bring you further updates on Kevin’s condition in due course.’
Since signing for City in 2015, De Bruyne has only endured one significant period out through injury, having suffered ankle and knee ligament damage against Everton in January 2016.
ALSO READ: New season, same Manchester City
BREAKING: Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly suffered a knee injury in training today, per @HLNinEngeland pic.twitter.com/5XQJVkJGLn
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 15, 2018
On that occasion, De Bruyne missed 10 weeks of action – including the 2015-16 EFL Cup final – and City’s title challenge subsequently collapsed.
Should De Bruyne be ruled out for two months as has been reported, City will be without him for Premier League games against Huddersfield Town, Wolves, Newcastle United, Fulham, Cardiff City and Brighton and Hove Albion, plus the first couple of Champions League group stage fixtures.
He may even miss the trip to Liverpool on 7 October.