NATHAN AKE appeared to be on the brink of tears as he was stretchered off injured.
The Manchester City defender was in action for Holland against Germany in their Nations League clash in Amsterdam.
But just before half-time, Ake picked up a horror problem.
The ace had stayed forward from a Dutch corner and as the ball was recycled, he tried to latch on to it in the Germany penalty area.
But while attempting to control the ball on his outstretched left foot under pressure from Joshua Kimmich, Ake pulled up with what seemed to be a hamstring pull.
After bending over for a while, it was clear he was in serious agony.
And the stricken star had to be helped to the turf by team-mate Cody Gakpo and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the referee waved on the physio team.
Then after being treated on the field and comforted by Virgil van Dijk, the medical team carried him off as he covered his face with his hands.
A gutted Ake was then replaced at the back by Arsenal man Jurrien Timber.
The injury could prove to be a blow for City boss Pep Guardiola – even though Ake has been a bit-part player for the champions so far this season.
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He came on for the final minutes at West Ham after being an unused sub against Chelsea and Ipswich in the Premier League – with Guardiola opting for Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias at the back.
But nonetheless, Guardiola will not want to lose an important experienced defender for a prolonged chunk of the season – and a hamstring tear would mean a spell on the sidelines.
City host Brentford on Saturday then Inter Milan in their Champions League opener next Wednesday in a repeat of the 2023 final.
They then take on Arsenal at the Etihad on September 22.
But the Gunners – desperate to wrestle the Premier League trophy away from City’s grip this season – have their own injury woes.
Martin Odegaard limped off after rolling his ankle for Norway against Austria last night.
New defender Riccardo Calafiori also picked up a problem on international duty following a freak collision while representing Italy.
And fellow summer signing Mikel Merino is also out of action.
The Spanish midfielder fractured his shoulder during his very first training session at Arsenal when he bumped into Gabriel Magalhaes.
