Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reveals Leroy Sane could be out for a number of months with ankle injury

MANCHESTER CITY star Leroy Sane could be out for a number of MONTHS with an ankle injury, boss Pep Guardiola has revealed.

The Citizens winger had to be replaced by Sergio Aguero at half-time against Cardiff in the FA Cup fourth round.

A nasty challenge from Bluebirds left-back Joe Bennett cut short his match, with the ex-Aston Villa defender being somehow shown just a yellow card.

Speaking in the post-match press conference after the 2-0 win, Guardiola confirmed Sane will be out of action for the foreseeable future.

The Spaniard said: "He will be out for a while, a few weeks or months, we will see."

Sane was lucky to avoid a serious injury when he ran through on goal, while the German FA were left furious with the Championship side following the tackle.

Guardiola was keen not to be too critical of referee Lee Mason, while also trying not to be disrespectful of Neil Warnock's side.

He said: "It's difficult for every team to win this kind of game. I know my players, it was many.

MONA-GO Manchester United and Man City target Fabinho admits he needs new challenge and days at Monaco ‘are numbered’

"Any team can play how they want but the referee must decide what is correct or incorrect. I just ask that he protects the players.

"All I ask is that the referee protects the players, not the Man City players, just the players. That's all I ask from the people in football, please.

"Everyone can play, that's why football is so nice. Neil and his team play in this way and they play really well.

"The challenge you have is how you deal with teams who play in different ways."

First half goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling proved to be the difference for the 2011 Champions at the Cardiff City Stadium.

City fans will be hoping Sane will be hoping Sane recovers in time to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on February 25.