LONDON (THE GUARDIAN) - Ilkay Gundogan is set to miss the rest of the season after tearing the cruciate ligaments in his right knee during Wednesday night's 2-0 Premier League win over Watford at the Etihad Stadium.

The midfielder left the game on 44 minutes in tears, in a sign he comprehended the seriousness of the problem.

Following his £20 million (S$35.88 million) summer move from Borussia Dortmund, Gundogan's debut for City was delayed until mid-September because of the dislocation he suffered to the same knee.

That occurred before the start of Euro 2016 and the 26-year-old also missed nearly all of the 2013-14 season because of a back injury, featuring in only three matches.

His injury may prompt Pep Guardiola to bolster his midfield options in January's transfer window, though he can already call upon Fernandinho, Fernando, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne for this area of the side.