Manchester City’s striker–Gabriel Jesus– who limped off in the first half of City’s 0:0 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday, has suffered a medial collateral ligament damage club, sources have confirmed.
The hard running Brazilian had appeared to twist a knee in the 23rd minute of the game in Selhurst Park and had received on-field medical attention after going to the ground. But it all proved abortive as he was subsequently taken off with Sergio Aguero taking his place.
Manager, Pep Guardiola , had after the game suggested that the forward would be out for one to two months. But the Club in their only statement on the injury, declined to put an official recovery time untill after a thorough examination have been done and a full picture of the situation is obtained.
Gabriel, meanwhile, have suggested that he may not be out for too long as shortly after his medical examination he wrote on Instagram that the injury is “not very bad” and will not require surgery.
The 20-year had said:”Today I went through an image exam on my left knee that diagnosed a small medial collateral ligament injury! Thank God it is not very bad and I won’t have to go through any surgery procedure.
“Promise to be back as soon as possible! Thanks for all the fans support and positive thoughts! Happy new year! 2018 is going to be my year!”
The club said in its statement: “Manchester City can confirm Gabriel Jesus suffered a medial collateral ligament injury during the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday.
“He will undergo further examinations in the coming days to establish the extent of his lay-off. We wish Gabriel a speedy recovery.”
Meanwhile, they appear to be better news for City’s other casualty in the clash in South London as ace playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne, at the receiving end of a horror tackle from Puncheon, seems to have avoided what could have been a major injury.
The Belgian had been stretchered off the pitch but appeared fine soon after as he was seen walking back to the dressing room accompanied by two City medics. The Club is yet to categorically give a statement on the Belgium International’s fitness position but close sources have suggested that though he didn’t suffer any major knock, he won’t be fit enough to return to action in Tuesday night’s game against Watford.
However, the midfield genius of De Bruyne may not be sorely missed as David Silva has been confirmed fit enough to start again after being out of four out of City’s last five games. The Spaniard will be making return alongside John Stones who hasn’t kicked a ball since Nov. 18 when he suffered a hamstring injury.