Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City are set to be without midfielder Ilkay Gundogan for “several months” after he limped off in Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Watford.

Goals from Pablo Zabaleta and David Silva ensured the Citizens got back to winning ways against the Hornets but their victory was somewhat overshadowed by the injury to the German international.

Gundogan was forced off after colliding with Nordin Amrabat towards the end of the first half and Guardiola was downbeat about the prognosis when quizzed after the match.

“I am so, so sad for Gundogan,” said Guardiola. “This is the worst news.” The 26-year-old joined City in the summer from Borussia Dortmund but arrived under an injury cloud having missed Euro 2016 with a dislocated knee.

It meant he was not available until September and the boss confirmed on Wednesday that he has now suffered suspected cruciate ligament damage in the same knee he had surgery on in May.

When asked if it looked like ligament damage, he replied: “The doctor supposes yes and we will know more tomorrow. But it is not good.

It could be several months.” Gundogan has been plagued by fitness setbacks in recent years and missed all but the first 57 minutes of Dortmund’s 2013-14 campaign with a back problem.

The news will further stretch Guardiola’s squad, with him likely to continue to chop and change in a bid to keep everybody fit during the busy festive period.

Sunday sees the Citizens host Premier League title rivals Arsenal, a game they are 2.10 to win, with the draw 3.40 and the Gunners priced at 3.30.