Kevin De Bruyne out for six weeks with knee ligament injury that rules him out of Capital One Cup final

Injured De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne looks set to miss the Capital One Cup final after scans revealed he could be out for up to six weeks.

The Manchester City playmaker sustained knee ligament damage during Wednesday night’s 3-1 win against Everton.

He looks likely to be absent for the subsequent Wembley trip next month after proving a major factor in their progression. De Bruyne scored in every round he played, including the second leg against Roberto Martinez's Toffees.

GAMES DE BRUYNE COULD MISS 

January 30 - vs Aston Villa (A - FA Cup)

February 2 - vs Sunderland (A)

February 6 - vs Leicester City (H)

February 14 - vs Tottenham (H)

February 24 - vs Dynamo Kiev (A - CL)

February 28 - vs Liverpool (Capital One Cup) 

The 24-year-old came off in stoppage time of the victory at the Etihad Stadium after a challenge by Ramiro Funes Mori, with Manuel Pellegrini expected to confirm the extent of the injury in his press conference on Friday.

It comes as a serious blow for City, who have seen De Bruyne add a new attacking dimension since his £54million arrival in the summer.

But the club will be thankful it isn’t something more serious. Pellegrini knew the injury was going to be long-term immediately after Wednesday's win and was talking in uncertain terms as to whether the Belgian would play again this season.

When asked if him missing the remainder of the was likely, Pellegrini said: 'I hope not. It is very difficult to know in this moment but I am optimistic he will not be out for the rest of the season. It is not a cruciate ligament, it is the medial ligament.

'I always said Kevin is a very important player in the whole season. He didn't start because we have to play nine games in 27 days. I think it is important to have a very good rotation of the squad.’