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Benjamin Mendy was at the Shakhtar game on crutches
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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

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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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