Manchester City are fearing the worst after midfielder Ilkay Gundogan left the pitch in tears during his side’s 2-0 win at home against Watford.

The German international limped off before the break and his latest injury setback comes after he spent the off-season recovering from a dislocated knee.

‘I’m so sad for Ilkay as it looks like we’ll be without him for a long time – we will know more tomorrow but it doesn’t look good,’ City manager Pep Guardiola revealed after the match.

‘We’ll know the extent of the injury when he has been properly assessed by the doctor tomorrow so until then we cannot know for sure, but I think he may be out for some time.

‘He is very sad, of course, as we all are.’

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder’s injury compounds Guardiola’s issues ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Arsenal as Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero are both suspended.

Ivory Coast international Yaya Toure’s second chance at City could see him line up against the Gunners after another good Etihad evening against Watford.

‘Yaya is an exceptional player and if he plays as he did today we are very happy for him – he can play as a defensive midfielder or further forward and he did very well this evening,’ said Guardiola.

‘We are happy with the result, it was important to win this game against a well-organised Watford side.

‘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.’

Guardiola revealed the reason behind Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho’s absence from the starting XI.

‘Kelechi had a little problem yesterday so he started on the bench, nothing more.’

Fourth-placed City host third-placed Arsenal on Sunday at 18:00 looking to close the seven point gape to leaders Chelsea.