Guardiola: Sani could be away for seven months due to injury

LONDON (Reuters) – Manchester City winger Leroy Sani could be out for seven months due to a knee injury, coach Pep Guardiola said on Friday.

The 23-year-old German international in the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee in City was crowned with a community shield after his victory in Liverpool on Sunday and will be operated next week.

"It's a very bad news," Guardiola told reporters. I do not know how long he will miss. This type of injury usually lasts six or seven months – I hope it will be in February or March. "

"We had three injuries (knee ligaments) in three seasons. He is young and will recover well. We hope to be operated next week.

"Everyone will help. He will feel lonely but we will help him to feel as comfortable as possible.

There has been speculation that Sani, whose contract with Citi will expire in 2021, could be transferred to Bayern during the recent transfer period.

Sani has received an offer to renew his contract with the English champions but has not yet signed because he struggled to play regularly last season.

However, the Spaniard pointed out that he had never considered laying off the winger who was named the best young Premier League player in the 2017-2018 season.

"I did not think I could do without him," Guardiola said. I've always said that he was our player and he did not tell me that he wanted to leave. I've always thought that he was a City player. "

Guardiola said his compatriot David Silva would badume the captaincy after Vincent Kompany left late last season.

"David has spent almost a decade with the club in the Premier League. He is a great player who has always been appreciated and respected by his teammates … He will be a good leader. "

Right-back Joao Cansillo is not expected to make his debut for West Ham after joining Juventus on Wednesday.

(Reuters)