Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 7y

Man City's Pep Guardiola thinks Ilkay Gundogan knee injury 'not serious'

BIRMINGHAM -- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hopes Ilkay Gundogan's injury is not as bad as feared after the midfielder hurt his knee in the 2-1 League Cup victory over West Bromwich Albion.

The Germany international was making his first start for City since recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury that ruled him out for nine months.

Gundogan was caught by a challenge from behind from West Brom's Claudio Yacob in the 55th minute and he immediately signalled to the bench that he was hurt. But he was able to walk from the pitch.

"I think not serious, it's not eight months, but a little injury. Unfortunately the action was tough. He will be back soon hopefully," Guardiola told a news conference.

"Tomorrow he will take a test to see exactly what it is. The physio and doctor told me it's not big issue.

"I suffered for Gundogan, when he was on the grass, in that moment. You cannot imagine what it's like for eight months, every day alone or just with the physio not in the locker room.

"In that moment it was so tough but of course that's football. He was okay, he had a little bit of pain in his knee but tomorrow we are going to see and clarify what it is."

Gundogan had looked impressive in a side that made eight changes from the team that won 6-0 at Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

Leroy Sane had put them ahead in the third minute and scored the 77th minute winner to secure their place in the fourth round five minutes after Yacob had equalised.

Yaya Toure also came in for his first start of the season in what his 300th appearance for the club. The Ivorian had been left out of City's last two squads for "sporting" reasons but Guardiola said they need him back.

"We need him. It's not easy for the players who don't play," Guardiola said. "He showed huge personality. It's not easy for him to play in this kind of game but he did it well and that's why we are happy that he's back. We are going to use and we need him."

City were rewarded with a home tie against Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers after the game.

It's the first time that Guardiola has been given a home tie in the cup after being drawn away from home seven times since joining the club.

"Thank you so much, who ever made the draw," Guardiola joked. "I don't know who it was but I want to send them a barrel of good red wine.

"We played all the games away and all against Premier League teams -- Huddersfield was an exception but they are Premier League now.

"Finally we can play at home with our fans, I like to play with our people, so thank you."

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