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Rob DawsonWriter
Pep Guardiola has admitted that it may not be possible to give Sergio Aguero enough time on the pitch to get the striker back to full health.
– ESPN FC Daily stream on ESPN + (US only)
Aguero has struggled with injuries for nearly a year and has been limited to just six Premier League appearances this season.
He was an unused substitute during the 2-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday and Guardiola says he may not be able to throw the 32-year-old in a critical phase of the season.
“We can’t forget how long he was out,” Guardiola said at a news conference Tuesday.
“He’s started to get better. I know he needs minutes to get to the best position but we’re not in the moment to give him minutes for minutes because he’s an important part of the season. “
Aguero is into his 10th season at the Etihad Stadium but could leave the club in the summer if he does not sign a new contract.
His existing contract expires in June and despite interest from Barcelona and Juventus, Guardiola says talks on extending the Argentinian ‘s stay at City will not take place until the end of the season.
“We need to be calm, the club will talk to its agent to familiarize themselves with the situation, and we are going to speak at the end of the season,” Guardiola said.
“Players may leave or go on loan, players from the academy may come up, we may be going to buy players. We are going to make a decision at the end of the season.
“Now I could tell you an answer but I don’t know what’s going to happen because in my mind right now I’m far from thinking about what’s going to happen next season or the players who will be here. I’m worried about what we’re playing. “