Samir Nasri has revealed he expects to be out of action until February as his injury-hit season has taken a turn for the worse.
Manchester City had hoped the former Arsenal midfielder would be fit to return from his hamstring injury against Liverpool on Saturday.
Instead, the France international has shown a picture of himself on crutches and declared that he will be out until February.
"What doesn't kill you make you stronger," he posted on Instagram along with the picture. "I will be back better than ever see you in 3 months."
What doesn't kill you make you stronger. I will be back better than ever see you in 3 months https://t.co/mN6dWB4mpe
- Samir Nasri Official (@SamNasri19) November 18, 2015
Nasri is set to miss up to 20 games, if City progress in the Capital One and FA Cups, including December's clash with his old club Arsenal.
The 28-year-old has only made one league start this season as he has slipped down the pecking order after the summer arrivals of Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne.
He has not featured since October's 5-1 win over Bournemouth and his latest setback comes at a time when manager Manuel Pellegrini had hoped he would finally be able to pick from a fully fit squad on Saturday.
However, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Pablo Zabaleta could all make their comebacks against Jurgen Klopp's team.