Manchester City suffer Kevin De Bruyne injury blow

De Bruyne could miss next month's crunch match with Liverpool

Manchester City could be without Kevin De Bruyne for the next month after he was forced off with a hamstring injury during their win over Aston Villa. The Belgian playmaker left the game shortly before the hour mark on Wednesday. Although some reports had suggested it was a precautionary measure, the Mirror now report that City's medical staff have assessed the injury and believe he is likely to miss between two and three weeks - though have not ruled out a longer spell on the sidelines. City are not expected to risk rushing him back any sooner than necessary and risking him exacerbating the injury. The report suggests De Bruyne is likely to be absent for City's Premier League fixtures against West Brom, Sheffield United, and Burnley. He could also be a doubt for their trip to Anfield to face title rivals Liverpool on February 7. He is, however, expected to back in time for league games with Tottenham and Arsenal. City's win over Villa - in which opposition manager Dean Smith was shown a red card - briefly moved them top of the Premier League table. They were replaced hours later, however, by local rivals Manchester United, who came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

---