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Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho is staring at a four to six-week absence from the field following a leg injury suffered during Wednesday's Champions League match against Porto.

The news was confirmed by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the post-match conference following his side's 3-1 victory.

Fernandinho entered the fray during the 85th minute as a substitute but following his injury, was replaced by John Stones during stoppage time. It's the latest in a series of injuries including Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy. Nathan Dias was also ruled out of playing in the match against Porto after he suffered 'niggles in the groin', as per Guardiola.

It has not been a fun endeavour for Guardiola's Manchester City side this Champions League, having had to come from behind in the group stage opener.

However, the match against Porto brought a much-needed reprieve despite Fernandinho's injury. Luis Diaz bagged an early goal for Porto after 14 minutes into play, City soon fought back minutes later as Sergio Aguero converted from the penalty spot following Pepe's foul on Raheem Sterling. Then, Ilkay Gundogan doubled City's advantage with a masterful free-kick while Ferran Torres's finish put the icing on the cake as the Sky Blues now find themselves atop the early Group C standings.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Martin Rickett

 

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