Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is set for an extended period on the sidelines and may require surgery after picking up another hamstring injury.
De Bruyne limped off during the Premier League opener against Burnley - his first start since the Champions League final, in which he suffered an injury to the same hamstring.
Having confirmed the two injuries were related, Guardiola told a press conference on Tuesday that he could be without the Belgian for a significant spell.
"It's serious, the injury," he said. "We have to decide on surgery or no surgery, but he will be out for a few months."
Guardiola confirmed the decision on surgery will be made in the "next days" and revealed De Bruyne could be sidelined for up to four months if he does go under the knife.
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Asked whether City will seek to replace De Bruyne in the transfer market, Guardiola responded: "We will see. We'll talk with Txiki [Begiristain, director of football] about the chances and possibilities."
City remain interested in West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who was the subject of a failed £70m bid, but are also known admirers of Crystal Palace's French midfielder Michael Olise, the latter of whom has serious interest from Chelsea.
If City do not sign a replacement, Guardiola believes his current squad is strong enough to cope without De Bruyne.
"The injury for Kevin is a blow, a big loss," he continued. "He has specific qualities. For a long time, is really tough for us. We have to look forward. We have alternatives.
"Kevin is irreplaceable, but we have talented players. They will take it."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Pep Guardiola reveals worrying extent of Kevin De Bruyne hamstring injury.