Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Sergio Aguero will miss Manchester City's all-important clash with Real Madrid on 7 August, after failing to recover from a knee injury.
The Argentine hasn't featured for the Citizens since mid-June when he was forced to leave the field against Burnley with a knee injury, and although his coach was originally optimistic about the forward's chances of a return, he has now ruled out that possibility.
Speaking after end of the Premier League season, Guardiola admitted that Aguero is unlikely to feature 'for the timing' of the tie, with the round of 16 second leg fast approaching.
“No, I think it will not be possible for the timing,” the ex-Barcelona coach confirmed.
This is, of course, bad news for Man City, who would have been desperate to get their star striker back to full fitness ahead of this vital Champions League clash. The Sky Blues hold a 2-1 lead from their trip to Santiago Bernabeu in February.
Aguero has bagged 16 league goals this season, an impressive total considering he only managed to feature in 24 league matches. The Argentina international is a vital cog in this Man City side, and without him, Guardiola may turn to Gabriel Jesus as his replacement for the arrival of los Merengues.
The Brazilian striker has contributed 14 goals this Premier League campaign, while also notching five in six Champions League appearances.
The Citizens will view this mini-tournament as good an opportunity as any to end their wait for European glory, and Guardiola will be confident of maintaining their advantage over Madrid, despite los Blancos' upturn in form and La Liga success.
Source : 90min