Manchester City fear summer signing set for long spell on sidelines

Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is flying to Barcelona for tests on a knee injury with fears he could be set for a long spell on the sidelines, reports ESPN.

The 23-year-old limped off 29 minutes into City’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend following a challenge from Andros Townsend and his knee has swollen significantly since then.

Initial tests were inconclusive and Pep Guardiola has sent Mendy to visit specialist Dr. Ramon Cugat in Barcelona for further examination as City sweat on the outcome of his visit.

A long spell on the sidelines would leave Guardiola without a recognised left-back following the departures of Gael Clichy and Alexander Kolarov over the summer.

Danilo, who is naturally a right-back, has already played there, while Fabian Delph, a central midfielder, started at left-back against West Brom in the League Cup last week.

After missing the start of the season through injury, Mendy has been a huge success for City on and off the pitch, quickly becoming a fan favourite at the Etihad.

City have kept four clean sheets in the five matches Mendy has played this season, scoring 22 goals in that period. Mendy contributed one assist in that time.