Nastasic blow for City, Aguero boost

Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic will miss the start of the season, but Sergio Aguero is set to step up his bid to be fit this week.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini received mixed injury news on Tuesday when it was revealed that Aguero will resume first-time training over the coming days, while Nastasic faces four to six weeks out with the ankle problem that he sustained on the club’s recent tour of Asia.

Nastasic was carried off on a stretcher in City’s Asia Trophy final win over Sunderland, with tests revealing that he is now poised to be sidelined until next month.

The 20-year-old made 21 Premier League appearances last term during his first season with the club after joining from Fiorentina.

While Pellegrini will be unable to call on Nastasic for the opening month of the new campaign, Aguero will be hoping he can give the Chilean a selection headache by proving he is fully fit following the knee injury he sustained in May.

The Argentina international striker, who scored 12 league goals in 30 appearances last term, has not played since featuring in City’s 5-3 win over Chelsea in the club’s post-season tour to America.

City’s Premier League season begins at home against Newcastle United on August 19.