Man. City

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan likely out for season with torn ACL

Published Dec. 16, 2016 12:05 p.m. ET

Sports Illustrated, SI.com Staff/Sports Illustrated via Planet Futbol

Manchester City and Germany international midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is likely to miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his right ACL.

The oft-hurt Gundogan suffered the setback Wednesday against Watford, tearing the ligament in the same knee which he dislocated prior to Euro 2016, when he was with Borussia Dortmund. Gundogan also missed almost all of the 2013-14 season with a back injury.

Gundogan had been enjoying a successful first year at the Etihad in Pep Guardiola's midfield, offering stability and a 91% passing completion rate, according to the club's statistics. Not typically a high-volume scorer, Gundogan also managed five goals in 16 games across all competitions–three in the Premier League and two in the Champions League–and his absence will force Guardiola to find a new regular starting option for his lineup. Yaya Toure figures to be the beneficiary, especially with Fernandinho sidelined while under suspension.

"We are all sad, he is sad. Now he must feel that we are there [for him]. He'll be operated on, and we want him back as soon as possible," Guardiola said at a press conference. "During the season this can happen. We are going to miss him, but now we just support him. He will recover."

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