Kevin De Bruyne will be out for three months due to a knee injury but will not require surgery, Manchester City have confirmed.
The Belgium international, a second-half substitute in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Arsenal, suffered the injury in training on Wednesday.
City say De Bruyne, 27, has a lateral collateral ligament lesion in his right knee, but does not need surgery.
He missed 12 games in 2016 after injuring the same knee during an EFL Cup semi-final victory over Everton.
He is likely to miss league games against Liverpool (7 October), Tottenham (28 October) and Manchester United (11 November), and the opening Champions League group games.
De Bruyne was integral to the club's record-breaking 2017-18 season, scoring eight goals and providing 16 assists in the Premier League as City racked up 100 points en route to the title.
The Belgium international also enjoyed an excellent World Cup, as the Red Devils finished third in Russia.
He scored a vital goal in their 2-1 quarter-final win over Brazil, and provided two assists, one against Panama in the group stages, and one against England in the third-place play-off.
City failed to sign another midfielder during the summer transfer window but can call upon David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden as alternative options.
The club face Huddersfield Town this weekend, and will then take in games against Wolves, Newcastle United and Fulham.
Rodraggaa
121
Pep will still remain the genius so if u think there is no replacement for KDB jst wait n see in the next 5-6 games ull agree with me that man city is not a one man team like Liverpool and other teams
BabaNla_14
113
Man City fans feel like collapsing on d ground, when they heard about Kevin De Bruyne sideline LMAO ๐ ๐ ๐
prakashcr7
111
Kevin de bruyne is the most important player for Manchester City. He is the important player in City's squad. He is the player who controls the game very well and his effort will immediately seen in the team performance. Hope for his quick recovery. Hope to see him returning in the pitch as soon as possible. Good luck KDB.
Nutacknop
88
liverpool saying. I'll take that!
IndikaAsiriSR4
76
Man City Fans Right Now๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ
SaurabhBorude
73
First time in history EPL title is declared LIVERPOOL
Austinmolar
63
I'm a Liverpool fan but seeing a player down is so sad. wishing him a quick recovery. come back stronger bro
JacksonnDahn
59
what a challenge situation for Kelvin and city hope you get well soon
JohnexcelAshas
40
one of the great mide fielder in the Epl let's see how man city will cope