Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed the extent of Ilkay Gundogan’s latest injury, saying he expects the German to be back soon.

Gundogan has had a torrid time with injuries in the past, most recently suffering a knee injury that kept him out since 2016. The German made his return from that injury on Wednesday night, during City’s 2-1 victory over West Brom in the League Cup. However, the victory was marred by Gundogan limping off injured in the second half after a hefty tackle by Claudio Yacob.

The midfielder will have a scan on his knee in the coming days, but Guardiola was quick to dismiss reports that the injury was as serious as first feared.

After the game, Guardiola said: “I think it’s not serious, it’s not eight months, but a little injury. Unfortunately the action is tough. He will be back soon hopefully. Thursday we will make a test. The physio and doctor told me it’s not big issue.”

“I’ll have to review [Yacob’s tackle]. It’s from behind but I don’t know if he touched the ball or not. I didn’t see the image.”

“Fortunately Gundogan is coming back soon. I suffer for him. He was on the grass and at that moment you think the wrong situation. You can’t imagine, for eight months, to be fighting every day alone.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]

Manchester City’s only other casualty is skipper Vincent Kompany, who like Gundogan, has suffered with persistent injuries himself. Kompany’s latest set back is a calf injury, and Guardiola recently confirmed the Belgian was close to returning to action – with him expected to make an appearance for the Sky Blues this weekend against Crystal Palace