Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Bridge set for lengthy absence

09 Dec 2009 - 12:27:34

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Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge could be out of action for up to six weeks after picking up a knee injury in Saturday's win against former club Chelsea.

The ex-Southampton star is believed to have tweaked medial knee ligaments following a challenge with Juliano Belletti and, after being carried off on a stretcher, Mark Hughes' worst fears have been confirmed.

It comes as a blow to the Citizens, as Bridge, alongside his defensive colleagues, looked to be finding some consistency that was aiding their top-four push.

Veteran Sylvinho could now be in line for a place in the squad as Bridge is expected to miss the Carling Cup semi-final two-legged showdowns against city rivals Manchester United.

Despite the setback, assistant manager Mark Bowen believes Hughes has plenty of options to replace Bridge temporarily.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, he said: "It depends on his recovery, but he tells us he's a good healer and he's a good pro, so we're hoping it will be sooner.

"Sylvinho can slot in there with all his experience and we also have Javier Garrido still available and Joleon Lescott has played at left-back for Everton."