Earlier today, Pep Guardiola confirmed Aymeric Laporte will miss the first month of the new Premier League season with a knee injury.
Manchester City won the title in dramatic fashion on the final day, but it was revealed soon after that the Spanish international played through the entire 90 minutes with a painful problem.
His heroic efforts have cost him dearly, and on social media, he told supporters he needed further treatment on an injury picked up against Wolves.
Since then, the 28-year-old did not travel with the rest of the squad on their short tour of the United States and has not been pictured in training with the rest of the first-team squad.
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In his pre-match press conference before his team's Community Shield clash with Liverpool, Guardiola said: "He's looking really well but we have to be careful because it was a knee.
"He needs time. I think he will be out for August and then maybe he will start to be with us in September."
So, with the managers admission, we now know what games Laporte will potentially miss, with the new season now just around the corner. On his current timescale, he would be unavailable for:
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West Ham United (A)
AFC Bournemouth (H)
Newcastle United (A)
Crystal Palace (H)
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Nottingham Forest (H)
Them five fixtures are certain, but getting back up to full speed with fitness and rhythm is likely going to take Laporte a little while longer.
That would throw his participation for Aston Villa (A) on September 3rd and Tottenham Hotspur (H) on September 10th into serious doubt.
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Despite strong links with Chelsea this summer, Nathan Aké look likely to stay at the Etihad Stadium and will likely partner Ruben Dias at the heart of City's defence.
However, John Stones is back from the EDS' tour of Croatia and will want to get back into action as soon as possible.
City kick-off their season with the Community Shield, but travel to face West Ham United next Sunday in their Premier League opener.
Topics: Manchester City, Aymeric Laporte, Premier League
Harry Siddall