Harry Diamond
Pep Guardiola is ‘optimistic’ that Sergio Aguero will return to the Manchester City side and ‘make a difference’ in the Premier League title race.
Aguero has endured a frustrating season to date and has made just two league starts for the campaign, missing the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery during the summer before sustaining a hamstring injury upon his return.
The Argentina international is currently absent once more after contracting Covid-19, the forward undergoing a period of self-isolation after testing positive for the virus last week, just a short period after he was forced into another period of isolation for coming into contact with Covid-positive person.
Man City‘s all-time record goalscorer has entered the final months of his contract at the Etihad and his struggles this season mean an extension remains in doubt, though Guardiola is confident the 32-year-old can bounce back and play a decisive role in the destination of the title.
“I’m so optimistic that he will give us the last months, from February or March, and he’ll help us in the decisive moments and make the difference,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference. “I am so confident it’s going to happen.
“Hopefully it’s going to happen like Vincent but he had a quality of having two months out, then going out and playing well.
“Sergio needs the special sharpness and steps to score a goal but we’ll see him on the training pitch and know if he’s fit or not. Hopefully, he can help us because he is one of the best strikers ever – not just in England, I mean ever.”
City return to Premier League action this evening when they travel to face struggling West Brom, Guardiola’s side seeking an 11th consecutive victory in all competitions at The Hawthorns.
Victory will move City above Manchester United and to the top of the Premier League, with the current league leaders in action tomorrow night when they host bottom side Sheffield United.
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