Aymeric Laporte out for at least 20 games

Man City defender Aymeric Laporte will be missing and out of action for at least 20 games after sustaining a serious injury in the game against Bournemouth in the Premier League last week. The Spanish defender is an important member of City's squad and it is understood the club have no plans to sign a replacement.

It is understood that manager Pep Guardiola is confident both John Stones and Fernandinho can fill in the gap for Laporte alongside Nicolas Otamendi at the heart of City's defence.

Laporte had been expected to be out of action for most of the season, but it is understood that instead the defender will be back in time for the New Year.

The injury comes as a major blow for manager Guardiola, who allowed Vincent Kompany to depart the Cityzens during the summer to take over a player manager role at Belgian club Anderlecht.

City are currently flying high in the Premier League, joint top with Liverpool, and chasing down their third consecutive domestic title in a row.