Pep backs Aguero to return in style
PEP GUARDIOLA has backed sergio Aguero to return in top shape as the Argentina striker tries to earn a new contract at Manchester City. Aguero is self-isolating and will miss City’s run of three home Premier League fixtures in a week, starting with Brighton at the etihad tonight, followed by Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Aguero, 32, has only managed three starts and two goals for City this season after returning from knee surgery, and has yet to complete 90 minutes. he is out of contract in June and wants a new one, but City have been reluctant to make an offer until he can prove his fitness. Their record goalscorer has been free to speak to foreign clubs since the start of the year amid interest from around europe, but Guardiola is confident Aguero will return to play a key role. ‘The only important news is that the last 10 or 15 days before isolation, he was perfect,’ said the City boss. ‘he reacted good and this is the best news. The best part of the season is coming and hopefully we can have him. ‘he’ll lose training sessions, and he’s a guy who needs training with his better condition in his knee.’ Guardiola has Gabriel Jesus available after the Brazilian and Kyle Walker returned from positive Covid tests in sunday’s FA Cup win over Birmingham. ‘every player who suffers with Covid is different. sometimes they are less affected, sometimes a little bit more. ‘Ferran Torres and Tommy Doyle lost weight. They are a little bit skinnier, two or three kilos, and that’s normal. Gabriel and Kyle were quite good. The important thing is it passed and nothing wrong happened.’ TV: Man City v Brighton LIVE on BT Sport 1, kick-off 6pm.