Manchester City have been rocked by injury news for their most important creative outlet.

The Citizens will be without star Kevin de Bruyne for a significant chunk of the campaign.

Per manager Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne could miss the next four months if he has to undergo surgery on a hamstring problem.

"It's a serious injury," said Guardiola to reporters.

"We have to decide if he needs surgery or no surgery but he will be out for a few months.

"The decision on surgery will be taken in the coming days and could see him miss three or four months".

"We could say don't play but this injury could happen later," the Spanish boss added.

"Before I took the decision I spoke to the doctor, the physio and him. He said he felt good.

"I have to say the injury for Kevin is a blow for us. It's a big loss. Kevin has specific qualities which you can lose for one or two games but, for a long time, it is really tough for us.

"At the same time you have to look forward, you have alternatives there - of course different skills, as the skills from Kevin are irreplaceable.

"We have a different talent of players and this is an opportunity; life gives you that. When there is an injury there is an opportunity for the other one, so I'm pretty sure they will take it."