City will be without El Mago until Next Year

Pep Guardiola has revealed the Cityzens will be without their midfield veteran for weeks after the 32-year-old sustained a hamstring injury that will keep him out until January.

Silva had to be replaced by Ilkay Gundogan in the 68th minute of the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge after picking up an injury and scans have confirmed that he damaged his right hamstring.

The Spaniard will miss Wednesday's Champions League tie against Hoffenheim with Guardiola admitting that he could be sidelined for the busy Christmas and New Year period.

"David Silva is not able. He will be a few weeks – in the last game he was subbed," Guardiola told his pre-match press conference.

Silva is one of a number of players unavailable for Wednesday's game at the Etihad Stadium, with Guardiola revealing that his options will be limited.

"Kevin De Bruyne (knee) is not able. Danilo is not able. Sergio Aguero is not ready," he stated.

"We have 15 players available, so I can't do it too much (rotating). We are in the next stage which is important but we have to try and win every game to finish first."

Guardiola now has an upheaval task manage an injury ravaged squad however, will take solace with the fact that his side are not under any form of pressure to ensure a victory in tomorrow's UCL fixture having already secured their place in the last 16 of the competition but will still need a point to secure top spot.