Pep Guardiola has revealed that striker Sergio Aguero has been training since returning to the club following a road traffic accident in Amsterdam prior to the international break in the build up to City’s forthcoming home game against Stoke City tomorrow.
The Argentine striker was set to miss ‘months’ according to reports at the time, putting pressure on City’s squad which started the season with just Aguero and Gabriel Jesus as recognised strikers.
With City down to just one fit striker in Gabriel Jesus, who ended Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign as top scorer – above even Neymar – the importance of Aguero could not be overstated even with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane waiting in the wings as backups in case Jesus needed a rest or got injured himself.
Guardiola remained tight lipped about speculation over Alexis Sanchez joining during the next transfer window but did expand on Aguero’s swift return to training.
“He did his first training session after what happened.” confirmed Guardiola, adding: “He did it quite well. Hopefully he will be back as soon as possible.”
“Of course he’s not 100 percent but he recovered quite well.” continued the Spaniard.
“The most important thing is that it wasn’t as dangerous as it could have been when you think about what might have happened.
“He explained what happened, he’s well, and we’re happy he’s back in training.”
While Guardiola hinted that Aguero might be involved tomorrow he confirmed that nearly everyone else returned from international duty ready to play but crucially ruled out captain Vincent Kompany.
Guardiola said: “Vincent is still injured. He’s much better but it’s still individual training for him.”
He didn’t indicate an expected date to return to fitness for the Belgian captain, adding: “It depends on how he feels. Fortunately we’re lucky everyone [else] came back perfect with no injuries.”
City now have four home games in a row and Pep Guardiola is focused on making the best of a run of games which could net him the October Manager of the Month award to add to the September one which he was pleased to earn following six straight wins, 25 goals scored and just one conceded.