Fresh Aguero setback for Man City? Guardiola confirms striker will miss Porto clash

Pep Guardiola revealed Sergio Aguero did not train on Monday and will miss Manchester City’s Champions League trip to Porto.

City’s talisman has been beset by injury problems this season but returned from a hamstring issue in last week’s 1-0 Group C win at Olympiacos.

However, the Argentina forward appears to have suffered a minor setback, although Guardiola was not too alarmed.

“I’m not concerned,” he said ahead of Tuesday’s game. “He didn’t train, he has a little bit of disturbance in his knee.

“He didn’t train but I’m not concerned.”

We’re off to Portugal this afternoon for #UCL Matchday 5!

Before then, we’ll have all the updates from the pre-match press conference 

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— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 30, 2020

The 32-year-old has scored 17 goals in his last 20 starts in the Champions League, but City will not be able to call on him in Portugal.

Guardiola’s side, who won the reverse fixture 3-1 after Aguero opened the scoring, need only a point to secure top spot in the group.

Aguero’s absence has coincided with a relative dearth of goals for City this season, with only 15 scored in nine Premier League games.

However, they have sharpened up in defence on the continental stage, with their tally of three clean sheets so far in this campaign more than in the whole of last season’s.

John Stones has played his part in that and the England centre-back has come in for praise after an upturn in form.

Guardiola wants to see more of the same from a player who has been guilty of some high-profile errors during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

“After five years together we know each other incredibly well,” said the City boss.

“We know he’s got incredible skills. It depends on him to maintain this level. He struggled last season, he needs continuity to be fit, training, be ready.

“We are delighted, especially for him. He’s a special guy, so sensitive. All of the backroom staff are so happy for him.”

Porto, who are winless in five Champions League games against English teams, have lost their past three meetings with City by an aggregate score of 9-2, conceding at least two goals in each game.

But the hosts do boast a strong record at Estadio do Dragao, having won six of their past seven home matches in the competition.