Fulham star Andreas Pereira stretchered off with suspected broken leg in worrying scenes against Man City

FULHAM midfielder Andreas Pereira was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg during their clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

The former Manchester United man, 27, who has registered five goals and six assists this season, went up for a challenge with Manuel Akanji at the beginning of the second half.

And he appeared to land awkwardly on his right leg, collapsing to the ground in a heap.

The medical team rushed on and treated him for several minutes.

His leg was eventually placed in a brace and he was stretchered off the field.

Tom Cairney replaced Pereira in the 58th minute as Fulham trailed 2-1.

Speaking after the match Fulham manager Marco Silva, who also saw Tim Ream go off with a serious injury, said: “The worst thing that happened to us this afternoon wasn’t the result. It was the two serious injuries in both situations.

“This is the worst thing that we take from this afternoon. Tim Ream probably won’t play no more this season. He’s broken his arm. Let’s hope Andreas Pereira’s isn’t so serious.

“With Mitro and the injury to Willian, with a short squad like this, it’s really tough to take.”

Erling Haaland gave Man City the lead from the penalty spot after less than three minutes, bagging his 50th goal of the season in all competitions.

Carlos Vinicius levelled for the hosts on the quarter of an hour mark.

But Julian Alvarez then restored City's lead nine minutes before the break with a superb curling finish.

Pep Guardiola's men started the day two points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal but with two games in hand.

And they are now the overwhelming favourites to clinch a fifth title in six seasons after a 4-1 win over the Gunners on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, Fulham have dropped away from European contention after just two wins from seven league games.

Heading into the clash with City, they sat 10th, eight points adrift of a Europa Conference League place.