Manchester City are set to be without the services of key defender Pablo Zabaleta for up to a month due to a knee injury.
The Argentinian international is yet to feature for the Citizens in their opening two games of the new campaign after he reported late for pre-season due to his commitments at the Copa America tournament earlier in the summer.
In his absence, Bacary Sagna has been handed the chance to impress manager Manuel Pellegrini and the former Arsenal man has done so as he has played a key role in helping the back four keep clean sheets against both West Brom and Chelsea.
The Frenchman is now set for an extended run in the side after Zabaleta revealed to the club’s official website that he is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining the injury during a training session.
“It happened in training, It’s the first time in 12 years of senior football that I’ve ever been injured like this so it’s a blow, especially at the start of the season,” Zabaleta said.
SEE ALSO:
Done deals: Ten signings to be made this week, with Chelsea double deal, major Man City buy & Spurs striker move
Former Chelsea star ‘ready to FORCE £50m transfer to Manchester City’
Sergio Aguero welcomes new £32m Man City signing Nicolas Otamendi to the club in latest Twitter post
The 30-year-old will miss City’s clash against Everton on Sunday afternoon and is facing a race against time to be fit for their first UEFA Champions League group stage fixture.