Laporte was stretched off shortly before half-time following a collision with Adam Webster and Fernandinho was summoned from the bench to take his place.
With John Stones also struggling for fitness, Pep Guardiola has been left with just one fit recognised centre-back in their ranks in the shape of Nicolas Otamendi after the club decided not to replace the departed Vincent Kompany.
City were linked with a move for Harry Maguire before the former Leicester City man joined crosstown rivals Manchester United.
Speaking after Saturday’s game Guardiola provided an update on Laporte’s injury situation and confirmed that Fernandinho will serve as an option in the centre of defence.
‘He is a holding midfielder, everyone knows it, me included but I think he has the conditions to play in that position,’ Guardiola said of Fernandinho.
‘He is intelligent, fast, strong in the headers and in the build-up. He also has the quality to see what happens in front. He can play in both positions.’
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager added on Laporte: ‘I think he is in hospital. It doesn’t look good but I don’t know exactly what he has done. Tomorrow, or tonight, we will know exactly what he has,’ said Guardiola afterwards.
‘He didn’t feel good. The doctor is going to call me and tell me what he has but I think, for a while, he will be out. Hopefully it is not as long as Leroy but we will see.’
