Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will undergo surgery on his hamstring injury and will miss the next three to four months of the season.
The 32-year-old limped off after 23 minutes in City’s opening win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Friday.
De Bruyne also went off injured during the Champions League final win over Inter Milan in June.
“It’s a serious injury,” said Guardiola.
The Belgium international missed all of City’s pre-season matches and returned as a second-half substitute in the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal.
“We have to decide if he needs surgery,” added Guardiola, who confirmed De Bruyne’s issue is related to the same hamstring.
“The decision on surgery will be taken in the coming days and could see him miss three or four months”.
De Bruyne scored 10 goals and provided 31 assists as City claimed the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season.