Manchester City have confirmed Benjamin Mendy is unlikely to play again this season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Mendy was forced off midway through the first half of their 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend but Pep Guardiola’s side were hopeful the France international had escaped serious injury.
After initial tests conducted by the club’s medical staff came back inconclusive, Guardiola sent Mendy to Barcelona to visit renowned specialist Dr. Ramon Cugat, who confirmed the club’s worst fears.
“Manchester City FC can confirm that Benjamin Mendy has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee,” a statement read on the club’s official website on Thursday.
“The French defender sustained the injury during the first half of Saturday’s 5-0 Premier League victory at home to Crystal Palace.
“After initial tests in Manchester at the start of the week, Benjamin travelled to Barcelona to see a specialist doctor, where further examinations of the knee today confirmed the extent of the injury.
“Benjamin will undergo surgery tomorrow in Barcelona, and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.”
After missing the start of the season with a thigh injury, Mendy has quickly established himself as a fan favourite at the Etihad, but his absence now means Guardiola is without a recognised left-back until January at the very earliest.
Danilo, who is naturally a right-back, has already played there this season, while Guardiola has also deployed Fabian Delph in that position in recent matches.
In Mendy’s five appearances, City have scored 22 goals and conceded only once. The 23-year-old has registered one assist in that time.
