Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony has been ruled out of Ivory Coast's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Liberia.
Bony was forced off after just 25 minutes of City's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday having sustained a hamstring injury.
Manuel Pellegrini hinted after the match that Bony could miss the November international break as a result, and the Confederation of African Football has now confirmed that the 26-year-old will play no part in their qualifying double-header.
It is not known exactly how long Bony is expected to be sidelined for, but his absence could see City left with only Kelechi Iheanacho as a recognised striker for their Premier League match with Liverpool on November 21, with Sergio Aguero still a doubt for that game.
Ivory Coast will also be without Bony's club teammate Yaya Toure after he once again ruled himself out of selection for the matches against Liberia away on Friday and at home next Tuesday.
Barney Corkhill
