Leroy Sane awaits timeline on ankle ligament injury

Scans conducted by Manchester City have determined Leroy Sane suffered ankle ligament damage over the weekend, although the club is yet to set a timeline for the winger's return.

Sane picked up the injury in a sobering challenge from Joe Bennett during Sunday's 2-0 victory in the FA Cup fourth round. The Middlesbrough product received a yellow card for the tackle, and was later given his marching orders for having a nibble at Brahim Diaz.

Sane, who lasted the final few minutes of the first half before being substituted at the interval, has recently been a permanent fixture in highlight reels for dazzling and often game-changing moments. In his stead, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling will likely be partnered by Bernardo Silva in the three-man strikeforce. Gabriel Jesus and Phil Foden were already unavailable due to extended spells in the treatment room.

"For football in general players are the artists. The only thing they can do is protect them," Pep Guardiola told BBC Sport after the win in Cardiff.

"Referees have to protect - not just mine, all players."

The first few matches Sane can expect to miss are tests against West Bromwich Albion, Burnley, Leicester City, FC Basel, and Wigan Athletic. Guardiola's side faces Arsenal in the League Cup final on Feb. 25.