SERGIO AGUERO fears he is losing his race to be fit for Manchester City’s tilt at the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s squad jetted to Lisbon yesterday without their 254-goal record scorer, who remains in Barcelona.
Man City record-scorer Sergio Aguero faces Euro agony, having already been out for seven weeks following a knee opCredit: PA:Press Association
Bernardo Silva and his Man City team-mates are preparing to take on Juventus’ conquerors Lyon in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
John Stones and Co arrive in Lisbon, but the ex-England defender is battling to save his Man City careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Aguero, 32, has not played for seven weeks after having knee surgery towards the end of June.
The striker told friends his chances of featuring at the European mini-tournament in Portugal are ‘very small’.
City face Lyon in a one-off quarter-final on Saturday and Guardiola wants to give him every chance and he will be allowed into the club’s bio-secure ‘bubble’ in their Lisbon hotel later this week.
What a 4 years it’s been, 2PL, 1FA, 3EFL, 2 Community Shields. I have loved every minute and I am looking forward to my future here.
John Stones on Instagram
Guardiola has told Aguero he would like him to be at the Jose Alvalade Stadium for their clash against Lyon.
But Aguero has ruled himself out of playing in that game and with the final just eight days later — should City get there — even that looks to be a long shot.
The Argentine striker hobbled out of City’s 5-0 win over Burnley back on June 22.
He has been doing his rehab in Spain after the operation was carried out by Guardiola’s preferred surgeon, Dr Ramon Cugat.
Etihad sources said there are no definitive plans yet for when Aguero will join them in Lisbon.
Out-of-favour defender John Stones has said he aims to stay at City and fight for his future.
The England man was expected to be shown the door with Nathan Ake arriving and another centre-back on Guardiola’s shopping list.
But Eric Garcia’s refusal to sign a new deal has given Stones renewed hope that he could be given a reprieve.
He marked his fourth anniversary as a City player at the weekend and posted on Instagram: “Four years ago I signed for this amazing club!
“What a 4 years it’s been, 2PL, 1FA, 3EFL, 2 Community Shields. I have loved every minute and I am looking forward to my future here.”
Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea are among a host of clubs to be linked with 26-year-old Stones.
Lionel Messi tells Sergio Aguero off live on Twitch as he tells Man City star to ‘stop messing around and go see physio’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
