KEVIN DE BRUYNE has flown to Antwerp to undergo surgery on his latest hamstring problem.
The Manchester City ace suffered a recurrence of his old injury in the opening night win at Burnley a week ago.
Kevin De Bruyne limped off against Burnley on FridayRex
EPADe Bruyne, 32, was devastated at Turf Moor[/caption]
Scans showed that an operation was the best option – even though it could see him ruled out until the New Year.
Pep Guardiola said a final decision would be taken in the next few days but admitted all the experts they had spoken to had the same opinion.
Now KDB is back in his homeland and is expected to go under the knife soon – with all parties agreed there is no point putting it off any further.
That means he is likely to be out for at least three months and possibly longer – leaving Pep on the hunt for a replacement.
Prior to the Super Cup triumph over Sevilla, Guardiola said: “It’s serious, the injury.
“We have to decide if it’s surgery or not surgery, but it will be a few months out.”
He then added, on City’s specialist doctor: “Ramon (Cugat) saw the images.
“He didn’t personally (do anything) and they have two or three doctors have the same opinion, more or less, what they have to do.”
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
City are stepping up their interest in West Ham’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta but are reluctant to meet the £85m asking price.
David Moyes has admitted to Paqueta having his head turned by City’s interest.
The Scot said: “There are a couple of football clubs in the world who could turn your head quite easily.
“Let’s be fair, Manchester City are probably one of them.
“I brought Lucas up to speed with everything I know. He’s fully aware of everything. I explained to him where we’re at, what’s been said, so he knows.”
Man City to keen on West Ham star Lucas PaquetaRex