Aymeric Laporte undergoes knee surgery

French defender has damaged the cartilage and lateral meniscus in his right knee

Aymeric Laporte has damaged the cartilage and lateral meniscus in his right knee, the club confirmed in a statement on their website on Wednesday.

The French centre-half sustained the injury during the 4-0 win against Brighton, and was forced to withdraw from the French squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers.

Laporte has already undergone surgery with Ramon Cugat, Pep Guardiola's trusted doctor, in Barcelona and is expected to be absent for 10-12 weeks.

It is a damaging blow for the Blues, who now only have two senior centre-halves after Vincent Kompany left in the summer. Fernandinho is expected to provide temporary cover, and Guardiola could also call on youngsters Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis if required.