Guardiola: City must 'be careful' with Aguero return | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has stressed that City need to ‘be careful’ in managing Sergio Aguero’s first team return to ensure our all-time record scorer doesn’t suffer another injury setback.

The Argentine only returned to action last month after a five month lay-off following a knee operation but then picked up a hamstring problem in our league game at West Ham sidelining him again.

Though named on the bench for Saturday’s trip to Spurs, Aguero was an unused substitute on a disappointing afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which saw us suffer a 2-0 reverse.

With goals proving harder to come by so far this term with only 10 goals being scored in the league, there is no doubt City have missed Aguero’s lethal finishing prowess.

But asked whether the return of Aguero would help instil extra belief into the squad with City currently 13th in the table, the Catalan expressed caution about his return to the fray.

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“I will not say we don’t need Sergio - we need him. But Sergio at 32 was five months injured with a difficult and dangerous injury,” Guardiola asserted.

“He was injured in a dangerous area, he came back and played for 50/55 minutes and then was injured again.

“I want him to be fit because I know what he has done in the Premier League - he is important for us.

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“But we have to be careful and (make sure) that he doesn't come back and get injured again.

“We have to see the right moment to put him back.

“Hopefully, he can come back and maintain the regularity to play games.”

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The Spurs game marked the start of an intensive period with City facing three games every week between now and Christmas.

Reflecting on the demanding schedule, the boss also admitted it was affording him little time for crucial detailed work on the training field.

“It’s impossible. But all the clubs are the same,” Guardiola admitted.

“It’s not an advantage or disadvantage but it’s impossible. There is no time.”