- Sergio Aguero could return for the City starting lineup against Burnley
- But Vincent Kompany is ruled out
- Praise for Benjamin Mendy’s morale boosting social media presence
- Pep Guardiola’s assessment of Burnley
Sergio Aguero could start against Burnley after returning to training
Sergio Aguero is fully fit and could return for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Burnley at the Etihad.
Just over three weeks since the ‘rib injury’ sustained in a trip to Amsterdam to see Colombian singer Maluma on his day off the Argentine hitman, who needs just one goal to draw level with Eric Brook as City’s all-time goalscorer, could return to the Pep Guardiola’s team after being named as a sub for City’s last two games against Stoke City and Napoli.
Guardiola could yet name an unchanged side for the fourth game in a row but with the Carabao Cup game against Wolves coming next week it could be too soon to change a winning side on a hot streak.
The City boss admitted that there was no fitness impediment to Aguero’s return though.
He said: “Against Stoke he had just one training session. He could have played but was not completely fit.
“The game against Napoli he was ready and of course he’s ready for tomorrow (against Burnley).”
The prognosis is not so good for club captain Vincent Kompany with no clear indication of a date for a return to action although other players were available.
Benjamin Mendy’s “Shark Team” posts keep squad spirits high
Another player who is unavailable for several months is Benjamin Mendy although the popular French left back has kept in touch with the squad and fans through social media – dubbing City “the Shark Team” after a run of huge wins which have taken them to the Premier League summit with 29 goals scored in eight league games this season – the most in that number of games since 1894.
Guardiola made his observations on the difficulty of being a player who is out long term injury: “Usually it’s hard for long injured players. They are sad, they train apart, so sometimes they feel a bit isolated, but Benjamin has chosen to stay present through social media.
“He calls his team mates, he sends What’s Apps – even to me. We stay in touch and hopefully he can be back soon in Manchester – he’s still in Barcelona.
“He was very important inside the pitch but now he can be important outside the pitch as well. People like him make the atmosphere inside the dressing room much better.”
Burnley should be shown respect after improvement this season
Burnley could prove to be tricky opponents tomorrow and Guardiola was fully aware of their improvement in away form this season despite City’s unbeaten record at the Etihad stretching to 21 games since last season.
“I have a lot of respect for what they have done.” Admitted Guardiola. “Last season they had a lot of problems winning away but this season starting at Stamford Bridge they were able to take points at Anfield, against Tottenham and at Goodison Park against Everton. They were amazing results because what they do they do well.
“They are masters at attacking the channel, long balls to [Sam] Vokes, the second balls, the set pieces, and they always defend with many people in the box. It’s also difficult to attack them because they are physically strong.
“We have to adapt to play against Burnley.”