Manchester City top scorer Sergio Aguero is expected to be out for a month with a hamstring injury, manager Manuel Pellegrini has announced.
The Argentina striker hobbled off during City's 5-1 Barclays Premier League win at Tottenham on Wednesday.
Pellegrini said: "The doctor is seeing him - maybe one month, but we are not sure absolutely."
The injury will rule Aguero, who has scored 26 goals this season, out of the first leg of City's Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona as well as Premier League and FA Cup games against Chelsea.
The match at White Hart Lane had been Aguero's fifth since returning from a month-long lay-off with a calf injury.
Yet with City having scored 115 goals in all competitions this term, Pellegrini is confident his team can overcome his absence.
He said: "It is very difficult. Sergio is a top player for us but I think we can replace him.
"As with the other injury, we hope we can continue to do it.
"But, of course, he is a very important player for us.
"Sergio is just coming back from an injury - one month that he couldn't play.
"All the other strikers, Alvaro Negredo, Edin Dzeko and now Stevan Jovetic, replace him."
Pellegrini, speaking at a press conference to preview Monday's Premier League game against Chelsea, gave little away about the possibility of making new signings before the transfer deadline.
City have been heavily linked with a late move for the Porto pair of defender Eliaquim Mangala and midfielder Fernando.
Pellegrini did not rule out deals but did not wish to discuss them.
He said: "For the moment - sorry - no news, but I promise tomorrow you will know all about it."
On the matter of players leaving, Pellegrini was similarly unmoved.
"Same thing," he said.
Defender Joleon Lescott has been the subject of speculation linking him with West Ham.
When asked if any business at all might be likely, Pellegrini said: "Business maybe, a lot of business - but no news."
Source: PA
