Pep Guardiola handed Eric García an opportunity to start for Manchester City in their last Champions League group stage tie against Marseille on Wednesday.
The centre-back was on the pitch for less than half an hour as an injury forced him off. He was replaced by John Stones in the 28th minute.
According to Sport, the full extent of the damage is still not known and can only be found out after he undergoes more tests.
It’s claimed tests will be carried out in the ‘next few hours’ and ‘everything points to a hip discomfort’.
The defender walked off the pitch and according to the newspaper, this is a ‘positive sign’, suggesting the injury may not be serious.
Another Catalan newspaper, Mundo Deportivo, states Pep Guardiola was ‘concerned’ after the Spain international left the pitch in the first half.
The English club have already progressed to the knockout phase of the competition and they were hoping to avoid any injuries on Wednesday.
Mundo states: ‘The worst of the news on a night in which if one thing was hoped it was to avoid injury. That alone was already justified reason for Santpedor’s [Guardiola] grimace.’
Although Mundo are saying Guardiola is ‘concerned’ with the player’s latest injury, García’s setback will not be a big blow for City if you take into account he has made three league appearances this season. His last start came in October.
García is in his final year of contract and has so far decided against signing an extension with the Citizens.
