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
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.
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.”
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.
"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."