Manchester City's creative midfielder David Silva has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a hamstring injury.
The Spaniard, 30, limped off in the first-half of City's goalless semi-final clash against Real Madrid at the Ethiad on Tuesday - and will consequently miss the return leg in his country.
Pellegrini addresses injury fears to the press
As confirmed by manager Manuel Pellegrini, the Chilean told reporters that he will be out of contention to face Ronald Koeman's Southampton side this weekend and needs at least "two to three weeks to recover".
This is an untimely blow for both the player and his teammates considering how much of the season he's already missed, and his importance to the side when he does display his world-class quality. Injuries have ultimately hurt his progression this term, with Silva having missed 17 competitive first-team fixtures since the start of the 2015/16 campaign.
It's also not the first time that he's been ruled out of action with an unfortunate injury, either. During an international break with his native Spain back in October last year, the playmaker was on the receiving end of a hefty challenge from an opponent and although he was only expected to miss two or three weeks, he returned late - after six.
Silva's absence a significant blow
Despite his inconsistent form this season, Silva has continued to showcase his world-class ability when others struggle to make things happen in tight matches. With four goals and twelve assists in all competitions this term, only Kevin de Bruyne has offered more in the final third - and his link-up play alongside Sergio Agüero continues to blossom. Although Raheem Sterling (groin) has returned to the fray whilst Samir Nasri is itching to prove why he should be in Guardiola's plans come this summer, it's clear to see that both boast different traits and abilities when compared to Silva himself.
At 30-years-old questions will inevitably start to arise: how much longer can he sustain a high level consistently? Injuries continue to pile up and it'll definitely be a hindrance to Silva's progression if he's known only as a talented player who is constantly injured - something that England duo Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) and Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) know all too well.
Fixtures that Silva will - and could - potentially miss:
Southampton (away) - tomorrow
Real Madrid (away) - Wednesday
Arsenal (home) - next Sunday, 8th of May
Swansea (away) on the following Sunday, final game of City's season - 15th of May