Sergio Aguero is not available for Manchester City as a soloist under coronavirus protocols – but Pep Guardiola has ruled out any new signs in January.
The striker is expected to miss the third game after the Premier League since he went alone on January 10, after Guardiola ruled that Aguero will not play against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Aguero, who suffered from hamstring injuries after surgery on his knee last year, has not started a league game since October.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Villa game, City boss Pep Guardiola said: “He ‘s not ready for tomorrow. He’ s still lonely.
“We need Aguero, we miss him.
“The numbers speak for themselves – he’s one of the best strikers in our history. The player can create for himself and win the games on his own.
“For a long time, he’s not with us. We could start complaining but we did the opposite. We’ll wait for him.
“We want it back as soon as possible but at the same time we need to move on and with the quality of the players we have, we can do it and find alternatives. “
City’s only other top scorer Gabriel Jesus has also had time out with injury and coronavirus.
But Guardiola’s side have been in shape in recent weeks, largely without a known striker present.
Asked if there would be any signs this month, Guardiola gave a blunt “no” at a press conference on Tuesday.
He later told beIN Sports: “We will not sign any contracts during the winter transfer market. We will end the season with the players we have now.”
Pep expects ‘best’ Villa side
Coronavirus has had a major impact on Villa ‘s preparation, with the first team not playing since January 1 following a “major” revolution at the club.
Villa manager Dean Smith has announced that victory will be chosen for the trip to the Etihad, but Guardiola is nonetheless preparing for “the best”.
“The only concern is Aston Villa right now,” Guardiola said. “We’re not what players will be available [for Villa]. Tomorrow we’ll see.
“We expect the best. I don’t know what their situation is, I wish they are healthy and recovering well.
“The quality they have shown this season compared to last season is amazing.
“In this league we know, you can win five games in a row and lose three in a row.”
Villa, who have lost just five of their 15 league games this season, have beaten Guardiola and are considered a completely different side to the one who escaped near relegation in the campaign. finally.
Asked what impressed Villa, Guardiola said: “The confidence. They bought Watkins and they’ve sorted out a lot of things. The midfielders are fantastic, Barkley delivers a lot of quality. The person -keeping brings a lot of presence.
“Their quality is with El-Ghazi, Trezeguet, and with Jack Grealish.
“A lot of things have changed. It’s completely different than it was last year.”