MANCHESTER -- Ilkay Gundogan is set to be out for a "long, long time" with suspected knee ligament damage after hobbling off in Manchester City's 2-0 victory over Watford, manager Pep Guardiola said.
Gundogan, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund for £20 million in the summer, picked up the injury midway through the first half of the win at the Etihad.
He played on for several minutes before leaving the pitch in tears as he realised the seriousness of the injury.
"I'm so sad for Ilkay Gundogan as it looks like we'll be without him for a long, long time," Guardiola told a news conference.
"He's sad. So sad. We spoke with him and he said I want to try but when he hangs up and says he cannot follow him we expected it was not good."
Gundogan missed four months with a dislocated kneecap picked up at Dortmund before becoming Guardiola's first signing at City, and the Germany international was forced to Euro 2016.
He made his debut in the 4-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach on Sept. 14 and has become a regular in City's side over the past three months.
Guardiola confirmed the doctor suspected it was ligament damage.
"We will know more tomorrow. It doesn't look good," he added. "We'll know the extent of the injury when he has been properly assessed by the doctor but I think he may be out for some time."
City went on to pick up their first win in three games and first league victory in five at the Etihad to remain seven points behind leaders Chelsea.
Pablo Zabaleta scored the opener in the 33rd minute before David Silva wrapped up the victory in the 86th minute to the relief of Guardiola.
"We are happy with the result, it was important to win this game against a well-organised Watford side," the City boss added.
"All the team worked hard and it is good to get a clean sheet and all our defenders did well against Watford's tough, powerful strikers."