Laporte injury could keep City defender “out for a while”, Guardiola says

Pep Guardiola admits Aymeric Laporte’s injury in Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Brighton could see the defender missing action ‘for a while’.

Laporte was carried off on a stretcher after colliding with Brighton defender Adam Webster in the first half at the Etihad, the Frenchman receiving lengthy treatment before being carried from the field.

Speaking on the player’s injury, City boss Guardiola was unsure of its severity but predicted the 25-year-old could be set for an extended period on the sidelines.

“I don’t know,” was Pep’s response when initially asked about the injury after the game.

“He has gone to the hospital. Tomorrow we will know exactly what he has. I think he will be out for a while.”

Laporte is now almost certain to miss out on earning an international debut, having been called up to the France squad for the first time for their upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Albania and Andorra.

The centre-back’s injury was a blemish on an otherwise pleasing afternoon for the champions, a Sergio Aguero double as well goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva sealing a comprehensive Premier League win for Guardiola’s side.

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