MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City left back Benjamin Mendy has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, likely keeping the France international out for most of the season in his first year in English soccer.
It is a major blow for City’s hopes of success domestically and in Europe this season, with Mendy the only recognized left back in its squad.
Mendy will undergo surgery on Friday in Barcelona, where he travelled to see a specialist doctor this week, City said on Thursday.
Mendy, who joined from Monaco in the off-season for a reported 50 million pounds ($67 million), injured his knee making a tackle in City’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
"Bad news guys," Mendy wrote on his Twitter page, "I’ll be joining Injury FC on loan for a couple months."
City didn’t give a likely timeframe for Mendy’s absence.
The off-season arrival of Mendy and right back Kyle Walker, two of the most attacking full backs in Europe, has added a new dimension to City’s play going forward.
City manager Pep Guardiola has potential replacements at left back in midfielder Fabian Delph and versatile right back Danilo. Midfield anchorman Fernandinho also filled in that position last season.
Delph played at left back in City’s 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.
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