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Pep Guardiola reveals Benjamin Mendy is facing a lengthy spell on sidelines after suffering suspected knee ligament damage

Frenchman was crocked in the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace and will see specialist

Benjamin Mendy was at the Shakhtar game on crutches

PEP GUARDIOLA has confirmed Benjamin Mendy is facing months on the sidelines with suspected knee ligament damage.

The £51.6million full-back, 23, will see renowned knee specialist Ramon Cugat in Barcelona on Wednesday.

 Benjamin Mendy was at the Shakhtar game on crutches
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Benjamin Mendy was at the Shakhtar game on crutchesCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Benjamin Mendy was hurt in a challenge with Andros Townsend
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Benjamin Mendy was hurt in a challenge with Andros TownsendCredit: Rex Features

And with the tests expected to confirm the worst, Guardiola may have to sign a new left-back in January.

He said: “Tomorrow he’s travelling to Barcelona and we will see finally what he has.

“Our first impression is that it will it be a little long, longer than we expected. It is very frustrating for him first as a person.

“Like with Gundogan last year I feel sorry for him. We would miss him a lot, it would be a major setback.”

Asked if City may buy a replacement, Guardiola added: “We will see. We thought about next summer about looking for another left-back.

“We have Danilo, Delph and Zinchenko who can play there so we will see as we go along.”

 Benjamin Mendy is facing a long spell out of action
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Benjamin Mendy is facing a long spell out of actionCredit: Rex Features
 The Frenchman's injury is worse than initially feared
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The Frenchman's injury is worse than initially fearedCredit: Rex Features

Ilkay Gundogan's similar injury ruled the German international out for nine months.

Fabian Delph performed well after Guardiola turned to the benchwarmer for the 2-0 Champions League defeat of Shakhtar Donetsk.

After the game, Guardiola said: "Fabian Delph was man of the match.

 Fabian Delph played well when given his shot against Shakhtar
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Fabian Delph played well when given his shot against ShakhtarCredit: Rex Features
 Pep Guardiola fears the worst over Mendy's diagnosis
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Pep Guardiola fears the worst over Mendy's diagnosisCredit: Rex Features

"When a guy who is so kind and can help the team, he is intelligent, is physical and never loses the ball. He controlled Marlos and did it very well.

"Even at 1-0, we were stable. We did not score goals but it was a demanding game. The next game against Napoli will be even tougher."

 

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