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Kevin De Bruyne could face an extra six weeks after Manchester City confirmed that the midfielder had been damaged knee ligaments for the second time this season.
De Bruyne, who has just played his fourth appearance since his last dismissal, was injured in Thursday's victory in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup against Fulham at Etihad Stadium.
The 27-year-old was tested Friday and, although he does not require any surgery on this occasion, will face a recovery period.
Director Pep Guardiola said: "For the fact that he is away two and a half months and again, we are sad for him. Nobody likes to be hurt.
"When you come back, you can not expect the player we know to be in the day. He needs time to settle down, to pick up the pace, the pace.
"Yesterday he came back in many things, but that's what it is. Unfortunately he is injured but fortunately it is not an operation. Between four and six weeks, the doctor said that he would come back.
De Bruyne's left knee injury is not that of the knee where he was operated after being injured in August.
Guardiola said: "This type of injury is not a chance, but I think he is so strong and has recovered so well. The other was more dangerous than this one. It will recover well, we have an excellent department (medical). "
De Bruyne will miss next week's derby against Manchester United in the Premier League and at least two Champions League matches. He is also likely to be unavailable for moving his team to the former Chelsea club on December 8th.
Guardiola, at a press conference on Sunday's championship clash with Southampton, said: "It's not the Manchester derby – the Manchester derby has three points, unlike Southampton. will not be a final, it will be another match.
"But we are a stronger team with Kevin than without him. We must live without him and we must be present when he comes back, that's all we can do. "
De Bruyne's departure against Fulham was only his second of the season and Guardiola was asked if he had considered replacing him before his injury.
He said: "Football is football. It's a dynamic game with a lot of contacts and it happens sometimes. "
The two goals against Fulham were scored by Brahim Diaz, one of City Academy's top-rated products.
The future of the 19-year-old has been questioned this week with reports that contract talks are stalled due to concerns over lack of playing time.
Guardiola pointed out that he was not directly involved in the contract negotiations but said: "The fact is we want it."
Guardiola also denied new information that the club would be interested again in the nomination of the fifth world player of the year in Barcelona, Lionel Messi. The case has often been recurrent throughout his term in City.
He said: "I have been rehearsing many times since my arrival here, when I left Barcelona to go to Bayern Munich and now to City, I have never been to both clubs and I am I said I wanted this player. Never. I know how important it is for Barcelona. "
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