It seems like Manchester City’s campaign to win third straight Premier League title will prove to be more difficult than predicted. The club confirmed on Wednesday that their center back Aymeric Laporte underwent surgery on his knee and will be out for an extended period of time.
Laporte suffered the injury on Saturday, during City’s 4-0 win over Brighton, and was diagnosed with damaged cartilage and lateral meniscus. Although the club didn’t set a timeline for his return, the reports are that the 25-year-old defender will be out for the rest of 2019.
Laporte joined Manchester City in January 2018 from Atletic Bilbao in a transfer worth around $70 million. Since then he played 64 games with the club in all competition and managed to contribute with five goals. He was also set to make his first appearance for France national team before suffering the injury.
With Laporte out, Man City’s manager Pep Guardiola is facing a bit of a headache when it comes to his defensive line. Since the team failed to sign a backup for departed Vincent Kompany, Guardiola now only has John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi as reliable options on center back position. Besides the duo, the only other option City has is teenager Eric Garcia who is yet to make his debut for the first team.
