Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne could reportedly be facing a four-week spell on the sidelines after coming off injured against Aston Villa.
The 29-year-old limped off just before the hour mark in Wednesday's 2-0 win, and Pep Guardiola speculated after the game that his problem was most likely muscle-related.
Now, The Mirror reports that De Bruyne has indeed suffered a hamstring injury, and City's medical staff believe that he will be sidelined for at least two to three weeks, and potentially even longer.
As a result, the Belgium international is not expected to be available for City's crunch match with Liverpool on February 7, although he could return in time to face Tottenham Hotspur later next month.
De Bruyne continues to negotiate with Man City over a new deal, and even though talks are taking longer than initially anticipated, Guardiola is confident that he will commit his future to the club.
The playmaker has already amassed three goals and 15 assists in all competitions this term, and his side sit two points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester United with a game in hand.
Ben Knapton
