Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will be sidelined for five to six weeks after injuring a ligament in his left knee during their 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Fulham on Thursday.

The Belgium international limped off the pitch only three minutes to regulation time and later had scans just after recovering from an injury in his right knee.

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the injury would not require surgery.

The match against Fulham was only De Bruyne’s second start of the season following his first injury.

“We are sad for him. Nobody likes to be injured,” Guardiola said.

Premier League leaders City host Southampton on Sunday at the Etihad. In their last five meetings, Southampton have only won once and drawn once with City taking three wins. Southampton will look to do the near impossible facing an unbeaten side in the league this season while Manchester City will be looking forward to an easy run.