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Injury blows for Pep and Mou as Man City and Man Utd stars set for lengthy layoffs
Pep Guardiola’s midfielder Ilkay Gundagan was replaced in the first half of the Citizens’ home game against Watford with a knee injury. The Spanish tactician told media at the end of the match that the Germany star is feared to have sustained an ACL tear
“I’m so sorry for Gundogan”, said Guardiola.
“I think it’s an anterior cruciate ligament injury, we are not sure yet and he has yet to undergo medical tests, but he could remain out of action for very long time.” If confirmed, that would be the second serious knee injury for the 26-year-old midfielder after the one he had sustained during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
José Mourinho is also sweating over the fitness of one of his stars. Erik Bailly had just returned to action yesterday night, but the Special One was forced to replace him in the 52nd minute. The Ivorian centre-back had already sustained an injury earlier this season.
“It’s not the same knee”, Mourinho informed media at the end of the match yesterday night.
“We still don’t know how long he could remain out of action, but it’s not the same knee, it’s the other one, the left one. He could have resisted for 75 minutes, his pain level is so high.”