Guardiola To Expect Aguero Back After International Break

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he expects Sergio Aguero to be fit after the international break and won’t risk him in Sunday’s match at home to Liverpool.

The Argentine striker suffered a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw at West Ham last weekend in only his second match after returning from four months out with a knee injury.

“I feel sure after the international break he will be better,” said Guardiola. “He’s getting better, but I don’t know. We don’t want him to have a setback but he’s getting better.”

City’s Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus returned to training today and may not feature against Olympiakos, but could make his first appearance of the season in the Liverpool match.

Meanwhile Guardiola has insisted on some of his youngsters playing in Monday’s youth Cup Final against Chelsea, rather than putting them on the bench for the match against the Greek champions. The blues have not won the trophy since 2008 and Guardiola said he wants players such as Liam Delap, Tommy Doyle, Cole Palmer and Taylor Harwood-Bellis to prioritise the trophy instead.

“If they are here, they can look to the important players to win the game,” said Guardiola. “I prefer them to have the experience to play in the final, to have the responsibility of having to win and bring the cup back to Manchester.”