Guardiola: Manchester City's Mendy 'out for months'

Manchester City full-back Benjamin Mendy could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines after Pep Guardiola admitted that the French full-back is "out for months" after suffering a knee injury against Crystal Palace.

Reports surfaced early Tuesday suggesting that Mendy was off to Barcelona to consult an expert, and Guardiola confirmed as much minutes after Tuesday's comprehensive 2-0 win over Shahktar Donetsk.

"After tomorrow he is travelling to Barcelona and we are going to see," Guardiola said during the post-match presser, courtesy of BBC Sport.

"It is very frustrating, firstly for him first as a person - it is very sad for him," the Catalan gaffer added. "And, for the way we want to play, we will lose a lot. It is a major setback."

A major setback indeed, and even with £130 million splashed on full-backs Kyle Walker, Danilo, and Mendy this summer, according to Guardiola, City could be forced to again dip its toes in the January market.

"He is a unique player. We will see in January about a new signing. We have alternatives," Guardiola said.

Mendy was photographed on crutches Tuesday at the Etihad as Fabian Delph played at left-back in his stead and performed well despite a lack of pace. Right-footed full-back Danilo will likely be Guardiola's first-choice going forward.