Manchester City could reportedly be without midfielder Mateo Kovacic for their next two games, after he picked up a muscle injury on international duty.
The 29-year-old was unable to play any part for Croatia in their match against Armenia on Monday.
The national side were still able to beat their opponents 1-0, and it was an important victory given the tight nature of their group.
They are top on 10 points, but Turkey also have 10 points with a slightly inferior goal difference.
Armenia and Wales both have seven each.
Man City maestro Mateo Kovacic facing 10 days out after picking up muscle injury
Yesterday, it was claimed by Croatian outlet Sportske that Kovacic could not feature against Armenia because he picked up a muscular injury.
The former Chelsea man is now set to undergo an MRI scan to find out the extent of the damage.
It is worryingly suggested that Kovacic potentially faces ‘a 10-day hiatus, perhaps a longer one’.
Should he miss the next 10 days, then he would miss Saturday’s Premier League game against West Ham United.
It is possible that Kovacic could also miss City’s first Champions League group stage match with Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad on Tuesday.
Worrying news regarding Mateo Kovacic after his excellent start at City
City fans will have everything crossed that Kovacic can be fit to play against West Ham this weekend.
He has slotted into City’s starting XI seamlessly since his £30 million arrival from Chelsea, and looks totally at home playing next to Rodri.
Pep Guardiola has already hailed him as ‘an exceptional player’.
We will see what transpires with him in the coming days.
Should he be unavailable against West Ham, then there will potentially be an early opportunity for new signing Matheus Nunes to stake his claim.
The Portuguese midfielder signed on deadline from Wolves for £53 million, and is definitely an option to feature as a deep-lying midfielder.
