• Premier League

Pellegrini optimistic on Aguero return

ESPN staff
December 18, 2014
Burley: City can make a statement against Barcelona

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is optimistic Sergio Aguero will be fit to return for the club in early January.

Pellegrini feared his 19-goal top scorer could be ruled out for up to eight weeks after he suffered a knee ligament injury in December's win over Everton, which would have ruled him out until February.

Sergio Aguero was injured against Everton in December © PA Photos
Enlarge

But now he has suggested Aguero is making a swift recovery, adding he could be in contention to feature in the rematch with Everton on January 10 or the trip to Arsenal eight days later.

Aguero is set to miss Saturday's game against Crystal Palace and City's Christmas and New Year fixtures, against West Brom, Burnley and Sunderland in the Premier League and Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup.

"Sergio has a torn ligament and I think it will be long before that tie, probably in the first weeks of January, that he will play," said Pellegrini, who was speaking at an awards ceremony in Madrid.

Aguero, who is the 14-goal top scorer in the Premier League, had struck seven goals in his previous five games before he was hurt in the opening minutes against Everton.

City are currently without all three of their specialist strikers with Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic both out.

Pellegrini could opt to use David Silva, Samir Nasri or James Milner in attack against Palace.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices