Guardiola ‘sad’ as Gundogan set for knee surgery

Joe Williams

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ilkay Gundogan will have an operation on his injured knee and will “be back as soon as possible”.

The German midfielder was injured late on in the first half of City’s 2-0 win over Watford on Wednesday.

Hornets midfielder Nordin Amrabat’s fair challenge resulted in Gundogan going down clutching his knee and the former Dortmund star is now set to miss the rest of the campaign.

“He is sad, we are sad,” said Guardiola. “The action of the opponent was correct – it was an unlucky situation.

“Now we need him to feel we are there and wait and come back safe. He’s going to be operated and be back as soon as possible.

“It’s so, so difficult for him. Sad for him. We are going to miss him a lot. It’s what it is. He’s unlucky. Sometimes football is like this.”

Gundogan has had serious injuries to his back and knee in recent years and the latest setback comes just as he was settling in to life at the Etihad Stadium.

“During the season sometimes it happens, this kind of situation happens,” said the Spaniard. “We are going to miss him, but now we will support him.

“I’m sure he is sad, but he will have an operation, come back here, see his teammates and train again.”