PEP GUARDIOLA has confirmed Sergio Aguero has not recovered in time to face Liverpool on Sunday.
The Argentine forward has been out for two weeks after injuring his hamstring at West Ham last month.
Pep Guardiola has ruled Sergio Aguero out of the Liverpool gameCredit: EPA
Guardiola said earlier in the week he was making good progress and refused to rule him out of playing against the Reds.
But he has not made it – and City will now look to get him fit for the game at Tottenham after the international break.
Asked about the club’s record goalscorer, Guardiola said: “He’s not ready at the end.”
Fellow striker Gabriel Jesus marked his return from injury in the week with a goal against Olimpiacos in the Champions League.
The Brazilian suggested this clash with Liverpool is a must-win if they are to have any hopes of reclaiming their Premier League crown.
But Guardiola was not so sure, saying: “It’s an important game but like presidential elections in the USA all the votes must be counted, a lot of points to play for.
“It’s only our seventh game and there are a lot of points to play for. We have to do a good performance to beat them.
“It’s always nice to play against the strongest teams and last year they were stronger. They are an exceptional team.
Virgil van Dijk is out for the foreseeable – and Guardiola will miss himCredit: AFP or licensors
“They’ve had the same manager for a long time and it’s nice to face him all the time to improve our level. “
Many felt the injury to Virgil van Dijk which will rule him out for the season makes City the firm favourites to win the title back.
But Guardiola is not so sure, adding: “The most important thing was the surgery was good and I hope he can recover as quickly as possible.
“I will miss him because I like to play the best players possible but Liverpool remains an incredibly top team.
“They are the biggest favourites but with the pandemic things are a bit different. I see other teams looking strong.”
Dietmar Hamann fears Pep Guardiola has peaked at Manchester City and can’t see them winning the Prem
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
