Saturday 23 April 2016 16:35, UK
Stoke midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has sustained cruciate ligament damage and will be out for the long term, the Premier League club have announced.
The 30-year-old was injured during training on Friday as the players were preparing for the visit to Manchester City.
And the Netherlands international will now miss the matches against Sunderland and West Ham, as well as the away game at Crystal Palace.
Affelay has played 38 games for the Potters since his arrival from Olympiakos in July last year, scoring three times.
In a quote published on Stoke's official Twitter account, boss Mark Hughes said: "It's unfortunate for Ibrahim. He twisted his knee in training. He'll come back stronger with our support."
Following the 4-0 defeat by City, Hughes confirmed the former Barcelona player suffered extensive damage to his cruciate.
The injury means Affelay is unlikely to return to action until the start of next year.
Hughes said: "Unfortunately, in one moment he just brought down a ball from a high position. As he came down, he landed on his knee, twisted his knee and unfortunately it looks like he's snapped his cruciate.
"No one was around him, it was an innocuous moment. He's going to be out for nine months which is a real shame for the kid because he's had an outstanding season.
"He's had difficulties in the past with injuries but this year he's played almost every game week-in, week-out. It's a real shame for him and us."
