MANCHESTER CITY'S title hopes have been dealt a blow after Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for two months with knee ligament damage.

The good news for Pep's runaway leaders was that Kevin De Bruyne was cleared to return to action.

5 Gabriel Jesus leaves field after injury for Manchester City at Crystal Palace Credit: EPA

5 Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne had scans and is not seriously injured Credit: AFP or licensors

The Belgian was stretchered off at Selhurst Park on Sunday after a horror tackle from Crystal Palace sub Jason Puncheon.

But the £54 million ace told friends he was fine and had nothing to worry about.

But striker Jesus is expected to be out until March with a knee ligament injury.

Etihad boss Pep Guardiola will decide on Tuesday whether KdB can play any part in the home clash with Watford tonight.

5 Kevin De Bruyne was taken out by a horror tackle by Jason Puncheon Credit: BT Sport

5 Kevin De Bruyne had to be stretchered off Credit: BT Sport

So Pep is likely to make changes to his line-up and may decide to give De Bruyne the night off to recuperate.

City received further good news when David Silva returned to training and declared himself available to face the Hornets.

The Spanish international has missed games and spent time back in his homeland due to family issues.

Guardiola claims the congested festive fixture programme is a physical ‘disaster’ for Premier League footballers — but believes it will never change.

City play their fourth game in ten days against Watford.

Gabriel Jesus cries as he goes off injured in Manchester City's game against Crystal Palace

And while he does not blame burn-out for the ending of City’s 18-match winning streak in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace, Guardiola continues to shake his head at the English tradition of flogging footballers over Christmas and New Year.

Guardiola said: “Ask the FA. It's a tradition, so I have to adapt.

“Last season we played at Anfield, we lost; two days later we played at home against Burnley, we played for 65 minutes with ten men against 11. It is what it is.

5 Pep Guardiola fears for his players during the busy festive period Credit: Getty Images - Getty

“If you tell me that technically, physically, it's good for the players: no, it's a disaster.

“But the league is the league.

“They decide at Christmas time to do this, and of course we are going to adapt.

“Sometimes you have three days’ recovery, sometimes four, sometimes two, everybody is the same. Last season we had less recovery than this season.

“I can give my opinion but do you believe I am going to get the authorities to change something? No way.”