Manchester City have confirmed Aymeric Laporte has undergone successful knee surgery in Barcelona.
Laporte was stretchered off during City’s 4-0 win over Brighton on Saturday and the result was marred by the severity of the defender’s injury.
The 25-year-old had finally broken in to Didier Deschamps’ France squad but now faces a period of time on the sidelines.
Laporte travelled to Barcelona to visit renowned doctor, Dr. Ramon Cugat, where it was revealed the City star damaged his cartilage and lateral meniscus against Brighton.
“Aymeric Laporte has undergone surgery on his knee after damaging his cartilage and lateral meniscus during Saturday’s win over Brighton,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
“The surgery, carried out by Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona, was successful and a more detailed prognosis will be provided in due course.”
Laporte’s absence is a hammer blow for City in the title race after failing to sign a replacement for Vincent Kompany and letting Eliaquim Mangala leave.
John Stones is on course to return from injury after the international break but another set-back will leave City short of natural options at the heart of their defence.
Pep Guardiola has been using Fernandinho in defence in training for the last few weeks and the Brazil international is expected to fill in from time to time during Laporte’s rehabilitation.
Laporte has quickly established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League since arriving from Athletic Club at the start of 2018 for a then-club transfer record £57.2m fee.
Since making his City debut at the end of January 2018, only Virgil van Dijk (3858) has completed more passes than Laporte (3820) in the Premier League.
