Pep Guardiola has providing a disastrous update after Manchester City were hit with a big injury blow ahead of the new season.
On Wednesday rumours began to swirl about young winger Oscar Bobb suffering a significant injury in training.
It was then reported that Bobb had fractured a bone in his leg and was facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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After some impressive cameos last season, the Norway international shone in pre-season for City and assisted the late equaliser in a superb Community Shield display.
He looked likely to start the opening game against Chelsea on Sunday ahead of playing an important role in the campaign.
Yet Guardiola has confirmed Bobb is undergoing surgery and could be out for as long as four months.
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Speaking in his press conference, Guardiola said: "It was in the training session. Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured. He is having surgery this afternoon. Hopefully, it will go well and he will be back in 3/4 months.
"We are so sad for him - not because of his incredible pre-season, that doesn’t matter - but because any time there is a long injury. We are looking forward to seeing him again soon."
City do still have options on the right flank, with £30 million signing Savinho now set to be relied upon even more, as well as Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva being more capable able to deputise.
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The Premier League champions have offloaded Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid in a club-record £81.5 million and many are wondering whether City will go back in the market before the transfer window is closed.
Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze continues to be linked but at the moment Guardiola is still unsure as to whether City will look to replace Alvarez.
Asked whether another signing could be on the cards, Guardiola replied: "Maybe. Or maybe not. We will see.
"I am really pleased with the squad we have. I can't answer you right now."
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola
Josh Lawless