Manchester City are waiting to learn the extent of Aymeric Laporte's knee injury after the defender was carried off in Saturday's convincing defeat of Brighton.
Laporte left the field on a stretcher after mistiming a challenge on Adam Webster late in the first half of the champions' 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Manager Pep Guardiola admitted after the game the situation "doesn't look good" but a full prognosis was still to be delivered.
The injury took the gloss off what was otherwise a comfortable afternoon for City.
Kevin De Bruyne set the tone for a dominant display by opening the scoring after 68 seconds before the in-form Sergio Aguero struck twice and Bernardo Silva added another goal late on.
To their credit, Brighton did try to attack City but the visitors were outclassed as Guardiola's side won without hitting top gear.
🏠 @aguerosergiokun has scored 9️⃣9️⃣ #PL goals at the Etihad – only Henry at Highbury (114) & Rooney at Old Trafford (101) have scored more at a single venue#MCIBHA pic.twitter.com/RB0ZW1jCZK — Premier League (@premierleague) September 1, 2019
"It was a nice game from us," said midfielder Fernandinho, who was pressed into action in defence after Laporte's exit.
"They caused a few problems for us and that's why the Premier League is so special – any team can cause a problem.
"The level of concentration has to be high. I'm so pleased for the way we played today and the result."
1️⃣ The opener from @DeBruyneKev ✨ Two dazzlers from @aguerosergiokun ⏰ Instant impact from @BernardoCSilva 🔵 #mancity #MCIBHA pic.twitter.com/ulpj8Mk2N3 — Manchester City (@ManCity) August 31, 2019
With John Stones missing through injury, the loss of Laporte highlighted the lack of cover City have had in the centre-back positions since Vincent Kompany's departure last season.
Guardiola, however, has said that he has faith in Brazil international Fernandinho to fill in, an option created by the summer signing of another midfielder in Rodri.
"I try just to do my job," said Fernandinho. "I've been training in this position the last couple of weeks.
"We still have two centre-backs but I can play in this position. It's not a secret for me. The key is just to understand the concept of the way we have to play.
"It was my first time and I hope I can improve and do better next time."
Despite the heavy loss, Brighton earned praise for their performance from Guardiola and manager Graham Potter has also been pleased with the start to the season.
💬 "It's such a tough place to come, we stuck to our game plan and got into some really good areas. "On another day we might take one of those chances, but it wasn't to be."#BHAFC ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/sVUg84Pb6Y — Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) August 31, 2019
The Seagulls have collected four points in four games.
Potter said: "It's going to be a challenge, it's going to be hard, and we know that.
"It's the top league in world football but we're going to be positive and try to develop our game.
"We need to get results as well but in terms of what the players have been doing, I can't ask any more from them."
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