Pep Guardiola has no doubts Sergio Aguero will be back to his predatory best when he returns from his latest injury setback.
Aguero, Manchester City’s all-time leading scorer with 255 goals, will miss Saturday’s visit of Fulham as he continues his comeback from a long-term knee problem.
City were without Aguero for four months after he underwent knee surgery in June, with the forward having made just four appearances since.
Despite his age, 32, and inability to stay fit since making his initial comeback, Guardiola said he has no doubts Aguero will be as prolific as ever when he does eventually return.
“When he will be fit, he’ll be the same player,” said Guardiola. “Of course, the age is the age.
“He has to be fit and will need a bit more time than Phil Foden or Raheem Sterling, because the physicality is different.
“But I’m optimistic he will help us this season and do what Sergio needs to do. For that, there needs to be no pain in the knee and we’re working on it.
“Today he feels much better and, after one or two weeks’ training in normal conditions, he will come back.
“His sense of goal is unique, that’s why he’s so important. We’re already without him for five or six months and that’s a long time.
“But I’m confident as he works a lot, he’s a lovely person and I have incredible relationship with him – better than ever.
“I like him and I want him back as soon as possible – for him and for the team.
“We have a short recovery time between games and we have 18 or 19 players available. Hopefully Sergio is going to come back soon and it’s important for all of us.”
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Although City thumped Burnley 5-0 last weekend, they have struggled for goals this season without Aguero leading their attack.
Against that backdrop, Guardiola warned his players they must prove their worth to him every time they play and show they deserve to be picked.
“All the players know now that having 19 or 20 players fit, they have to raise their standards and play at as high a level as possible to keep in the selection,” said Guardiola.
“The guy who is playing well, I want them to continue, to give them the chance to play.
“Starting from myself, we have to fight to do it better. And we can only do that by demanding more and more of ourselves. It’s the only way.
“They have to feel that there are six or seven incredible players who don’t play and who are waiting for their chance.
“And when these guys go on the pitch and play well, they have more chances to play in the future.
“Riyad Mahrez scored three goals against Burnley and tomorrow he’s going to play, because he scored a lot of goals. The guys who score goals are going to have more chances to play.”
