Pep Guardiola says midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will be “out for a while” after hobbling off through injury in the first half of their opening day 3-0 win over Burnley.
De Bruyne struggled with injury and fitness problems last season and was forced off after just 23 minutes of City’s win with a hamstring issue, to be replaced by new signing Mateo Kovacic.
Guardiola revealed that the Belgian’s injury is “in the same place and position” as the one he suffered in last season’s Champions League final, which saw him go off before half-time.
“We’ve lost him for a time. We have to reflect and talk to the doctors and physios about what happened,” Guardiola said.
“He has to be relaxed, recover and come back. He was feeling really good and playing really good. Unfortunately he’s injured again.”
A double from Erling Haaland and close-range finish from Rodri were enough to see off newly promoted Burnley in the first game of the new Premier League season.
Defender John Stones missed the game through injury but the City boss is hoping to have him back soon.
“The doctor told me he feels really good today, so it will not be long,” he added.
“He will not be ready for Sevilla, but maybe Newcastle.”
