The Dutch international was taken for tests where it was confirmed he has broken the cruciate ligament in his left knee.

　　He will need an operation and will be out of action for at least six months. The injury is another problem for coach Pep Guardiola, who is already without Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez with hamstring problems.

　　Sanchez will be out for around six weeks after suffering his injury a fortnight ago, while Iniesta will miss the next month after suffering the injury in the Champions League against AC Milan.

　　The good news on the injury front is that Gerard Pique is available for this weekend's game at home to Atletico Madrid. Pique has yet to play in the La Liga this season after damaging his thigh in the Spanish Supercup.