Kevin De Bruyne will be out for five to six weeks with knee ligament damage sustained in the Carabao Cup tie against Fulham on Thursday, Manchester City have announced.

The Belgium playmaker was injured in the latter stages of Thursday night’s Carabao Cup fourth-round win over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.

It is the 27-year-old’s second lay-off of the season due to a knee injury but he does not require surgery on this occasion.

A club statement read: “Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suffered knee ligament damage in his left knee during Thursday night’s Carabao Cup fourth-round win over Fulham.

“The Belgian underwent scans on Friday at the CFA. No surgery is needed but he is expected to be out for between 5-6 weeks.”

De Bruyne had been making just his fourth appearance since returning to action after a two-month absence due to ligament damage in his right knee.

City’s update suggests De Bruyne could miss eight fixtures, including next week’s derby against Manchester United, two Champions League games and a trip to former club Chelsea next month.