The Belgian playmaker was substituted in the 85th minute of City's 2-0 win over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday after opposing defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah landed heavily on his left knee.

"(De Bruyne) underwent scans on Friday," City said in a statement on the club website.

"No surgery is needed but he is expected to be out for between 5-6 weeks."

De Bruyne, who played a pivotal role in City's record-breaking Premier League title triumph last term, has already spent six weeks out injured this season.

The 27-year-old will now miss City's Premier League clash with local rivals Manchester United on Nov. 11 as well as the rest of the Champions League group stages.

Pep Guardiola's City, currently top of the table with 26 points from 10 matches, host Southampton on Sunday.