Roberto De Zerbi expects Pervis Estupinan to miss the start of next season.

The Ecuador left-back revealed via social media he has had ankle surgery at the end of an injury-troubled campaign.

De Zerbi’s update this afternoon would rule Estupinan out of this summer’s Copa America as well as pre-season.

The Albion head coach told The Argus: “I think it is longer – September or October.

“Pervis is another big player who we lost this season.

“He suffered three injuries. The first one in Aston Villa, the second one in Amsterdam and the third one in Burnley.

“Pervis was a key player last season.

“I don’t love crying, talking too much about the injured players.

“We can analyse the performance against Manchester City, yes.

“We played not a good game, we conceded goals from ourselves – especially the last two goals.

“We are winning two less games but it is anyway true we are playing without too many important players.”