Joe Hart will miss the next three to four weeks of Manchester City’s season after picking up an injury in the recent 2-2 against Hull City.

Following tests, club doctors have discovered that the 21 year old sustained damage to his ankle ligaments following a challenge from Hull striker Daniel Cousin early in the first half of the game. The club’s official website said “Joe Hart is set to miss the next three to four weeks…The goalkeeper's left ankle was scanned on Monday, with the damage sustained…confirmed as sprained ligaments”.

Hart has not missed a Premier League game for Manchester City this season and there had been suggestions that England coach Fabio Capello was ready to pick him the forthcoming international friendly against Germany.

Kasper Schmeichel is likely to deputise for Hart over the next few weeks.