Report: De Bruyne to miss 4 weeks with torn hamstring

Manchester City's perfect start to the campaign could be under threat, as the Citizens are reportedly set to be without talismanic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne for the next month.

James Ducker of the Telegraph reports that the Belgian superstar, 25, will miss the next four weeks after suffering a torn hamstring muscle in the weekend victory over Swansea City.

While much of the squad looks revitalized under new boss Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne may have benefited most from the Spaniard's arrival. Of those who have made six Premier League appearances this season, only two have produced more key passes per 90 minutes than the attacking midfielder (3.5).

Scoring twice - including once in the Manchester derby - and adding four assists thus far, the crafty ginger carried his side during the suspension-induced absence of Sergio Aguero.

"It's a pity. It's important for us," Guardiola said in the aftermath of Saturday's win at the Liberty Stadium.

The potential month-long absence could see De Bruyne miss crucial clashes with Tottenham and Everton in the Premier League, and the mouthwatering meeting with Barcelona in the Champions League.

His injury, regardless of the time it forces him to miss, will place an added burden not only on Aguero, but also the likes of Raheem Sterling, Nolito, David Silva, and perhaps Jesus Navas - all of whom will need to pick up the creative slack without their influential teammate.