Pep Guardiola is optimistic Ilkay Gundogan will be “back soon” after the German international’s first start in nine months ended with him hobbling off in Wednesday night’s win at West Brom.

Leroy Sane scored twice at the Hawthorns to set up a fourth round tie with Wolves, but Manchester City were handed a major injury scare as Gundogan - making his first start since December 2016 - lasted 59 minutes.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund man was taken off following a challenge from Claudio Yacob, which left him in a crumpled heap.

Gundogan, 26, got up to leave the field under his own steam, and Guardiola revealed after the game that City are hopeful it was just a knock and the player will be back in action soon.

Claudio Yacob flies through the back of Gundogan (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)
Gundogan receives medical treatment (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)
Yacob gives Gundogan a verbal volley (
Image:
REUTERS)

“It is from behind, I don't know if he touched the ball but fortunately Gundogan is coming back soon,” said Guardiola.

“But I suffered for Gundogan at that moment, he was on the grass and you cannot imagine being eight months out fighting everyday alone with the physio and then to be injured. In that moment it is so tough but fortunately it is not serious.”

Gundogan has experienced serious back and knee injuries during his career already and had set City on their way in the West Midlands, his excellent pass teeing up Sane for the opening goal after just three minutes.

Sane scored twice at the Hawthorns (
Image:
AFP)

Sane, who has begun the season with four goals in just 222 minutes of action, was praised by Guardiola after the game also.

“I am so happy for the players, Leroy plays so good not just in terms of goals but in terms of how he keeps the ball.”

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