Guardiola confident Aguero will get back to best after injury

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he is confident Sergio Aguero will be back to his best once he has fully recovered from his knee injury.

It means Aguero will have played in only four of City’s last 29 games since he suffered the injury against Burnley on 22 June.

“When he is fit, he’ll be the same player,” said the City boss.

Concerns have been raised about the 32-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

“Of course age is age and the physicality is different,” Guardiola added. “He will need a bit more time than [Phil] Foden or Raheem [Sterling]. But I’m optimistic he will help us this season.

“What Sergio needs is for there to be no pain in the knee. Today he feels much better. With one or two weeks training in normal conditions he will come back.

“I want him back as soon as possible. His sense of goal is unique. We are already five or six months without him, that’s a long time.”

Fulham head coach Scott Parker has a fully-fit squad aside from long-term absentee Kenny Tete.

Defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who signed from Manchester City in September, is set to feature against his former club.

Lawro’s Prediction

Fulham got a really good win against Leicester – they played very, very well.

Scott Parker’s side are easy on the eye and that’s a big tick for him. However, I don’t think they’ll have much of the ball against Manchester City.

The Cottagers aren’t ones to park the bus in front of teams, but the only chance they have against Pep Guardiola’s side is by having possession because they’re not very good at the back.

It’s also worth remembering that City have won their past nine matches against Fulham and scored a hatful of goals in the process.

I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘free fixture’ but if Fulham get beaten 3-0 or 4-0 it won’t raise eyebrows.

BBC Online