Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus faces up to two months out after injury at Crystal Palace
Kevin De Bruyne a doubt for Watford after challenge with Jason Puncheon
Sunday 31 December 2017 18:28, UK
Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus faces up to two months out after suffering an injury in the goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
The Brazilian was forced off midway through the first half at Selhurst Park with a problem in his leg and manager Pep Guardiola confirmed he faces several weeks on the sidelines.
There is also concern over Kevin De Bruyne after he was stretchered off in the closing moments following a rash challenge from Jason Puncheon, and Guardiola said he is a doubt for the clash with Watford in two days time.
"Gabriel will be out for a little bit more than one month, hopefully," the Spaniard said.
"Kevin, we will see tomorrow what he has; whether it's just a kick or something else. Hopefully just a huge kick but maybe he will not be ready for the Watford game.
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"We were lucky (with challenges) in previous games. I admire the physicality of the Premier League but the referee has to protect the players - that's all I ask. Hopefully it won't be tough."
Jesus did the splits after 11 minutes when chasing a loose ball but seemed to recover. The Brazilian then took a low shot from the edge of the area and fell to the turf clearly in a lot of pain.
He was replaced by Sergio Aguero on 23 minutes, and he was sobbing as he headed to the tunnel with Guardiola tapping him on the head in sympathy.
De Bruyne, meanwhile, was hacked down by Puncheon in added time as City looked to break quickly following Luka Milivojevic's late missed penalty for the hosts.
De Bruyne lay prone on the pitch for a number of minutes and was eventually stretchered-off with his right leg in a brace.
He is now doubtful for City's next game against Watford on January 2, while Jesus may not return until March.
