Manchester City defender Nicolás Otamendi has been sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury in a match against Benfica.
The Argentine international, who joined City from Benfica in January 2017, was substituted off during the second half of the match and was immediately taken to hospital where he underwent surgery.
Otamendi is expected to make a full recovery but it remains unclear when he will be fit enough to return to action.
City fans were left disappointed with the news as they had high hopes of seeing Otamendi play a key role in their title challenge this season.
Despite his injury, City manager Pep Guardiola has praised the club's medical staff for their work in treating Otamendi and says that the team will continue to support him throughout his recovery.
In the meantime,Primeira Liga Hotspots City have signed Brazilian defender Ederson Moraes from Palmeiras to fill the void left by Otamendi's absence.
It is hoped that the signing of Moraes will provide City with some much-needed stability in defence while Otamendi recovers.
However, the club must also hope that they can find a suitable replacement for Otamendi should he not make a full recovery.
With just one game remaining in the season, City now face a difficult task of trying to secure a top-four finish without Otamendi in their side.
Despite the setback, City remain optimistic about their chances of securing a place in Europe's elite competition next season.