Manchester City dealt huge title blow with John Stones out for six weeks with hamstring injury
The England defender limped off the pitch after 31 minutes at the King Power Stadium on Saturday
PEP GUARDIOLA'S squad have plunged into a defensive crisis after John Stones was forced off the field on Saturday.
The England defender is expected to be out for up to six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Feyenoord, Guardiola said: "All of the month he will be out [December].
"Hopefully he will recover well for the end of January.
"We have Manga and Vincent and Nico and of course Kyle and Danilo and Fernandinho can as well. Mendy I think can as well."
Stones could miss up to 11 matches, including two huge fixtures against Manchester United and Tottenham.
He was swapped for Eliaquim Mangala after sustaining an injury after 31 minutes during City's 2-0 victory away from home.
His £42million replacement has fallen out of favour at the Etihad, but he could be called in now to fill the defensive void.
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Injury-prone skipper Vincent Kompany could also be called to temporarily lead the line from the back.
The Belgian defender was called in to face Leicester on Saturday - his first appearance since he was injured while on international duty in August.
Guardiola said: "Of course, we have to take care of him [Kompany].
"We are trying to do that. It is a risk to play him more and more, but now Stones is out we have a real, real problem in that position."
Stones has cemented his spot in Guardiola's starting XI during what has been a sublime start to the Premier League campaign.
The Citizens are currently topping the Premier League standings, with 34 points from 12 outings.
