Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly set to miss the start of next season.
The Belgium international was forced off in his second straight Champions League final appearance earlier this month.
De Bruyne was replaced by Phil Foden in the 35th minute of the final meeting with Inter Milan after pulling up with a hamstring issue.
In De Bruyne's absence, Man City went on to win 1-0 thanks to Rodri's second-half strike to seal a historic treble.
After enjoying a memorable season, Man City boss Pep Guardiola will already be planning for next term, but he could start the 2023-24 campaign without one of his key players.
According to the Daily Star, De Bruyne will miss the start of next season after scans revealed that he has suffered a Grade Three hamstring tear.
The report states that surgery is not required for the injury, but he has been ordered to rest before beginning his rehabilitation.
De Bruyne will miss Man City's first competitive game of the season against Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 6.
The Belgian is also expected to miss the Premier League opener against Vincent Kompany's newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor.
Man City's medical staff are hopeful that De Bruyne could return in time for the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla in Athens on August 16.
De Bruyne is still expected to link up with the Man City squad for next month's pre-season tour of the Far East, but he will continue his recovery rather than taking part in friendlies.
The Citizens will face Japanese outfit Yokohama F. Marinos, German champions Bayern Munich and Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
When he returns to action, the playmaker could be joined in the squad by Mateo Kovacic, who is closing in on a move from Chelsea.
However, Ilkay Gundogan is expected to sign for Barcelona on a free transfer, and he could be followed through the exit door by Bernardo Silva.
Silva is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia, but Man City have tabled a new and improved contract in an attempt to persuade the Portugal international to stay at the club. body check tags ::
