<p class="title">Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte will be out for up to six months after undergoing surgery on his right knee, manager Pep Guardiola said on September 13.</p>.<p class="bodytext">French centre back Laporte damaged his cartilage and lateral meniscus in a challenge with Brighton and Hove Albion defender Adam Webster and was carried off in City's 4-0 league victory last month.</p>.<p class="bodytext">When asked how long Laporte will be out, Guardiola said: "Five months, six months. Next year sure, January or February."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Laporte made 35 league appearances during their title-winning campaign last term, with midfielder Bernardo Silva the only City outfield player to play more matches.</p>.<p class="bodytext">His injury leaves City with Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones as central defenders, following Vincent Kompany's departure to become the player-manager at Anderlecht at the end of last season.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Guardiola confirmed Stones could feature at Norwich City this weekend after recovering from a niggling thigh issue. </p>
<p class="title">Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte will be out for up to six months after undergoing surgery on his right knee, manager Pep Guardiola said on September 13.</p>.<p class="bodytext">French centre back Laporte damaged his cartilage and lateral meniscus in a challenge with Brighton and Hove Albion defender Adam Webster and was carried off in City's 4-0 league victory last month.</p>.<p class="bodytext">When asked how long Laporte will be out, Guardiola said: "Five months, six months. Next year sure, January or February."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Laporte made 35 league appearances during their title-winning campaign last term, with midfielder Bernardo Silva the only City outfield player to play more matches.</p>.<p class="bodytext">His injury leaves City with Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones as central defenders, following Vincent Kompany's departure to become the player-manager at Anderlecht at the end of last season.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Guardiola confirmed Stones could feature at Norwich City this weekend after recovering from a niggling thigh issue. </p>