Manchester City's Sane ruled out for up to 6 weeks
Leroy Sane likely won't feature for Manchester City again until March after manager Pep Guardiola revealed Tuesday that an ankle injury will keep the pacey German out of action for up to six weeks.
The 22-year-old was left writhing in pain following a heavy challenge from Cardiff City defender Joe Bennett, who was shown a yellow card for his first-half tackle and earned himself a red later in the match during injury time.
Six weeks in the treatment room will likely force Sane to miss Manchester City's League Cup final encounter with Arsenal on Feb. 25, as well as both legs of the Premier League leader's Champions League round of 16 matches against Basel.
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The injury update comes in the wake of Guardiola's plea to officials over the protection of all players.
"For football in general players are the artists. The only thing they can do is protect them," Guardiola told reporters Monday, according to BBC Sport.
"Referees have to protect - not just mine, all players. Sane will be out for a while. Maybe two or three weeks, or a month, we will see tomorrow. It's his ankle.
"I know my players, because it's not just one, there was many. They decided to play in that way. There is one man who has to decide what is correct and what is incorrect. If he doesn't, anything can happen."
Sane has been one of City's most productive players, having scored seven goals and created 10 assists in 22 Premier League appearances.