Mendy to miss several months after rupturing ACL

Manchester City's worst fears were confirmed Thursday, as tests on Benjamin Mendy's right knee revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

He will undergo surgery in Barcelona on Friday, according to a club statement.

Mendy had called out The Times' Duncan Castles for reporting earlier in the week that the French international had indeed torn his ACL. He snapped back on Twitter, scolding Castles for reaching a conclusion before tests had been done.

But scans showed extensive damage, meaning he can expect a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Manager Pep Guardiola ordered City's hierarchy to sign Mendy after his impressive contributions for Monaco last season. City parted with a reported £52 million to pry him from the principality side.

He earned four Premier League starts before suffering the injury. It's now unlikely he'll play a major role in City's quest for a third Premier League title since the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008.

Chameleonic defender Danilo is Mendy's natural replacement.