Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola feared Ilkay Gundogan had suffered another serious injury when he came off against West Brom in his first start for nearly a full year

Pep Guardiola admitted he feared Ilkay Gundogan had suffered another serious injury as the midfielder punched the turf in pain but said initial reports are that the problem is 'not serious'.

Gundogan was starting a match for the first time since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last December when he was forced off following a foul by Claudio Yacob in the Carabao Cup tie at West Bromwich Albion.

The Manchester City player walked gingerly from the field flexing his left knee – he previously damaged his right – but Guardiola was pleased that the diagnosis was positive.

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan went off flexing his left knee in the second half

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan went off flexing his left knee in the second half

'I think it's not serious, it's not eight months, but I think it's a little injury,' said the City manager. 


'Unfortunately the action was tough but he will be back soon hopefully. I spoke with him. It's ok. He had a little bit pain in his knee. 

'Tomorrow we will make a test. The physio and the doctor told me it's not a big issue.' 

Gundogan played 58 minutes before being replaced by Kyle Walker as City beat West Brom 2-1

Gundogan played 58 minutes before being replaced by Kyle Walker as City beat West Brom 2-1

Guardiola admitted he was anxious as Gundogan hit the ground with his fist after being brought down following a burst from his own area to West Brom's box.

'I suffered for Gundogan when he was on the ground and making his hand like this,' said Guardiola. 'At that moment, you think of the worst, the wrong situations.

'You cannot imagine what it is like to be out for eight months, fighting every day alone with the physio, then come back and to be injured. In that moment it' s so tough to accept that. It's football and fortunately it's not serious.' 

Guardiola said he would take another look at the tackle from Yacob. 'I have to review it, it's from behind, but I don't know if he touched the ball. I didn't see the image. But fortunately he is coming back soon.' 

City boss Pep Guardiola shakes the hand of veteran midfielder Yaya Toure

City boss Pep Guardiola shakes the hand of veteran midfielder Yaya Toure

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