Man City blow with Sergio Aguero set to miss next three matches after being forced into coronavirus isolation
SERGIO AGUERO is set to miss Manchester City’s next three matches after being forced into isolation.
The Argentinian ace, 32, was due to make his first start since October in the FA Cup tie against Birmingham on Sunday.
But he had been in close contact with someone who tested positive meaning he must spend 10 days in quarantine.
That means he will also miss the Premier League home games against Brighton, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
Asked about Aguero’s fitness, Guardiola said: “He’s quarantined. Isolated.
“The rules, I think, say that after nine or 10 days he will be back.”
Aguero will be touch and go for the fourth round tie at Cheltenham the following weekend.
He has featured in only nine matches this season, starting just three of them – and has yet to complete 90 minutes.
And it is a concern for City as they weigh up what kind of contract they can offer their record goalscorer when his current deal expires in the summer.
Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed he will be without two centre backs in Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake for the visit of the Seagulls.
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But Raheem Sterling – who was rested as a precaution for the third round victory on Sunday – is now back in the squad.
Guardiola said: “Laporte is injured and Nathan is injured. Eric Garcia is isolated, Cole Palmer is isolated. The rest I think are OK.”
City have won their last six matches in all competitions – and now have three league matches that look winnable.
The manager said: “Since we dropped points against West Brom in December, our performances have been good – but every game we have to win again
“The mood is good and we have to continue tomorrow. The schedule in January and February is so busy but it is good to again try to do what we have to do.”