Sunderland will face Man City without midfield star

Kevin De Bruyne will be assessed this week after suffering suspected medial ligament damage in Manchester City’s Capital One Cup semi-final win over Everton last night.

The Belgian, who scored a vital - albeit controversial - goal and set up another after coming off the bench in City’s 3-1 win in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, was carried off in the closing minutes.

The 24-year-old appeared to get his studs caught in the turf and then landed awkwardly on his knee as City closed in on their 4-3 aggregate success.

Initial medical reports suggest the problem is not related the cruciate ligament but still prompted plenty of concern on the City bench.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini said last night: “We will see. The doctor thinks he has a problem in his medial ligament but it is impossible to know before tomorrow.

Asked if De Bruyne could miss the rest of the season for quadruple-chasing City, Pellegrini said: “I hope not. It is very difficult to know in this moment but I am optimistic he will not be out for the rest of the season.”

De Bruyne, though, looks certain to miss Tuesday’s Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.

Meanwhile Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles apologised to De Bruyne for attempting to pick the player up as he lay down in pain.

Robles tweeted: “I would like to apologise to Kevin De Bruyne for my reaction to his injury. In the heat of the moment I didn’t realise he was badly hurt.

“I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.”