Ilkay Gundogan’s season-ending knee injury could hand a Champions League lifeline to his fellow Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure.

Gundogan faces at least five months out after suffering an injury to his anterior cruciate ligaments during Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Watford.

The £20m Germany midfielder underwent an initial scan on Thursday but needs further tests to determine exactly how long he will be out for.

However, with Gundogan facing surgery there is now an opportunity for Toure to return to City’s Champions League squad.

Pep Guardiola left Toure out of his initial squad for the group stage because he was restricted to 17 overseas players.

Guardiola will be able to make up to three changes to his squad before City face Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash in February, and Toure must now be favourite to make his return.