Ilkay Gundogan has injured the same knee that he dislocated before his move to Manchester City.

The German international faces several months out after suffering suspected ligament damage in Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Watford.

And it has been confirmed that it is the same knee that forced him to delay his start at City.

Gundogan underwent an operation in May, which meant he had to wait until September to make his debut for his new club, following a £20m move from Borussia Dortmund.

The 26-year-old is having tests today to determine the extent of the damage, but Guardiola confirmed, “I think we are going to miss him for a long time.”

Asked if it was ligament damage, the City manager added: “The doctor suppose yes. We will know the diagnosis tomorrow, but it doesn’t look good.”

City defender Pablo Zabaleta added: “It looks bad. It’s the same knee.

“We feel so sorry for him because it’s been quite tough for him at the beginning of the season.

“He has been working so hard and he was playing well.

“Unfortunately, now it is the same knee.

“But he has to keep strong and see how bad it is.”

Guardiola is already without Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero for Sunday’s top of the table clash with Arsenal.

Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk