Ilkay Gundogan fears that he will not play again this season after he suffered suspected anterior cruciate ligament damage during Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Watford.
Gundogan hobbled off the field in tears in the 44th minute of City’s first home league win since September 17.
The £20 million midfielder twisted his right knee as he hit the turf after a challenge from Watford’s Nordin Amrabat on Wednesday night. Gundogan tried to play on, but conceded defeat soon after and made way for Fernando.
The Germany international underwent tests on the knee yesterday. Sources close to the former Borussia Dortmund player claimed he had damaged his anterior cruciate ligaments.
The usual recovery time for such an injury is six to nine months. Although City would not confirm whether the 26-year-old is out for the season, they are fearing the worst.
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Gundogan dislocated the same knee in May when he was playing basketball during a warm-up session with Dortmund.
City signed Gundogan despite the injury and he made his first-team debut in the 4-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on September 14.
Gundogan has played 16 matches in total for City, scoring five goals in the process. Pablo Zabaleta admits losing the German is a big blow for City, who lie fourth in the table, seven points shy of leaders Chelsea.
“It looks bad,” the City right back said. “We feel so sorry for him because it has been quite tough for him at the beginning of the season.
“He has been working so hard and he was playing well. Unfortunately it is the same knee [as he injured before] but you have to keep strong and we will see how bad it is.”
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With Fernandinho suspended for City’s next match against Arsenal because of the red card he received in the 3-1 defeat by Chelsea, Yaya Touré may start successive games for the first time under Guardiola.
The Ivory Coast midfielder performed well in front of the back four against Watford and could now start at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Sergio Agüero will also miss Sunday’s match as he sits out the third game of his four-game suspension for a reckless tackle on David Luiz in the loss to Chelsea.
