Nasri relieved to be out only eight weeks, ‘suppose it’s kind of good news’

MANCHESTER, England // Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri says he will be out for eight weeks with a left knee injury, robbing the team of one of its most consistent performers for a crucial period of the season.

Nasri wrote on his Twitter page on Monday that he partially ruptured ligaments in his knee when he was fouled by Newcastle defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in the second half of City’s 2-0 win in the Premier League on Sunday. He added that there was also excess swelling on the knee.

“Thank you everyone for your kind words and overwhelming support,” Nasri wrote, “I suppose it’s kind of good news that I will be out around 8 weeks.”

Nasri’s prognosis allays fears that the French star could miss the World Cup.

He is likely to miss Man City’s second-round games against Barcelona in the Champions League as well as the League Cup final on March 2 – City beat West Ham 6-0 in the first leg of the semifinals.

The Manchester derby in the Premier League, currently scheduled for March 1, would have to be moved if either club reaches the League Cup final.

Nasri, a 26 year old who joined Man City from Arsenal in August 2011, has been one of City’s best players this season under manager Manuel Pellegrini.