Football
8y

Sergio Aguero near full fitness for Manchester City - Manuel Pellegrini

Sergio Aguero could play 90 minutes for the first time since September in Saturday's game at Watford as he steps up his comeback from injury.

The Argentinian played for 62 minutes in Manchester City's defeat to Arsenal and 63 in their draw at Leicester on his return from a heel injury.

But manager Manuel Pellegrini believes his star striker, who was troubled by a hamstring injury before then, is ready to complete the game at Vicarage Road.

The Chilean has been easing the Argentinian back towards full fitness and he explained in a news conference: "As we know with Sergio, always when he comes back from an injury he needs three or four games to return to his normal performance.

"That's why I never give him 90 minutes in a game. I think it's better to play him for less minutes but with more intensity. But I am sure in the second part of the season we are going to see the real Sergio without injuries."

Aguero has been criticised for his performances in his last two games but Pellegrini is expecting him to return to the scoresheet.

Asked when he would complete a game, he replied: "I hope on Saturday and scores two or three goals."

Meanwhile, Pellegrini ruled himself out of the reckoning to succeed Jorge Sampaoli as coach of his native Chile.

The 55-year-old, who led Chile to Copa America victory in 2015, has spoken of his ambition to manage a European club.

And Pellegrini, who has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2017, said he does not intend to return to South America just yet.

"I am here in Manchester City," he added. "My ambition is to continue working here at City or in Europe. So for the moment I am not thinking about Chile."

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