Pep: Jesus may not be back this season

PEP GUARDIOLA has all but confirmed fans’ worst fears – that it could be next season before Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus plays for Manchester City again.

Guardiola insists he will not rush the 19-year-old, right, back following surgery on the fractured metatarsal he suffered in Monday’s Premier League win at Bournemouth, despite City still being involved in a chase for honours in the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup. The manager said: “Gabriel had an operation on Thursday and it was good, really good. The important thing now is a good recovery.

“I don’t know when he will come back but he will only come back when he is fit. His recovery will take two or three months. I don’t know if it will be the end of this season or next season. Now we’re giving all our support to him and his family and waiting for him to come back.” Jesus’ absence opens the door for Sergio Aguero, whose demotion to the bench for the last three games had sparked speculation about his future. But Guardiola insists City’s leading goalscorer for the last five seasons has been professional. “He showed that when he came on against Swansea and against Bournemouth after the injury to Gabriel. “He came in and played well and was involved in the second goal. I don’t have doubts about his quality because it was always there.” Guardiola is likely to make several changes for today’s FA Cup tie at Huddersfield with one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 home leg against Monaco. RICHARD TANNER