Aguero will be ready for World Cup – Guardiola

Sergio Aguero is on track to be fit for Argentina’s World Cup campaign after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated the striker’s recovery from minor knee surgery is progressing well.

Aguero underwent keyhole surgery on his right knee to curtail a season where he won his third Premier League title and scored 30 goals in all competitions.

The 29-year-old is set to be part of Jorge Sampaoli’s plans in Russia as his great friend Lionel Messi makes another tilt for World Cup glory.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of City’s Premier League match against Huddersfield Town, Guardiola confirmed the prognosis from the surgeon who operated on Aguero in Barcelona, Dr Ramon Cugat, was positive.

“Yes, he will arrive okay [for the World Cup],” Guardiola said.

“I have the information from Dr Cugat in Barcelona and Sergio’s recovery is doing great.”

Muy feliz y orgulloso por integrar el Equipo del Año de la Premier League de la PFA Gracias #PFAawards ! Y felicitaciones a mis compañeros!//I’m very happy and proud to be part of The PFA Premier League Team of the Year Thanks #PFAawards ! Congratulations to my teammates! https://t.co/EMkYqUPjTa

— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) April 18, 2018

Aguero’s compatriot Nicolas Otamendi joined him in the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Team of the Year and is likely to start for Argentina at the World Cup.

Guardiola has regularly highlighted Otamendi’s importance at centre-back within a swashbuckling City side this season and believes the 30-year-old can be an asset for Sampaoli.

“Yes, of course, he is already a leader,” he said. “Whether he is going to show it in the Argentina national team or not I don’t know, but he is definitely a leader.

“He is a player who does not need to talk a lot to show you how amazing he is. He is a player who never lets you down, who never abandons you.

“He is definitely one of the people responsible for our success this season. He has always been there – with pain and with injuries – so I wish him a great World Cup.”