Manchester City: Pep Guardiola reassures Ilkay Gundogan his place is safe despite knee injury

The 25-year-old signed from Borussia Dortmund last month after picking up a knee injury

Ilkay Gundogan speaks to the media as a Manchester City player (Getty)

New Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reassured İlkay Gündoğan that he is essential to his Etihad project despite suffering from injury this summer.

The 25-year-old signed from Borussia Dortmund last month after picking up a knee injury which is likely to render him sidelines until September, missing the opening weeks of the new Premier League season.

"He told me that he needs a player like me as a central midfielder," Gundogan revealed.

"We haven't had the possibility to talk more. He comes now, we will think about it more then we will see.

"I like to have the ball, to have the possession and to play passes, to create chances for my team-mates. I think that is what makes me strong. I hope those are things that we need here."

Gundogan has not featured since April due to a knee injury he suffered while still at Borussia Dortmund and it was that problem that prevented him linking up with his Germany colleagues at Euro 2016 this summer.

"I hope to be ready as soon as possible, I am looking forward," he said of a comeback date.

"It seems (like it will be the) end of August or September but it is always difficult to say. I am happy right now at the moment and just being positive."

Additional reporting by PA.