Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says it's "impossible" to replace star striker Sergio Aguero, and has backed the Argentine to finish the season injury-free.
Aguero has been the focal point of City's attack since joining from Atletico Madrid for €45 million in the summer of 2011.
He struck twice in City's comfortable 4-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday to help pull the club within a point of leaders Arsenal and Leicester City.
While indispensable when on the pitch, injuries have played a prominent role during his time at the Etihad, with hamstring and heel injuries keeping Aguero out at times this season.
However, Pellegrini is hoping to have his No. 10 healthy for the remainder of the campaign.
"It's impossible to replace Sergio," Pellegrini said on Sunday. "He's a top player and it's very difficult to replace him. I think for every team to replace their top players is very difficult.
"We can play without Sergio, but of course we'll be a stronger team with him playing at his best performance level.
"He's not a player you can replace so easily. But I hope he will finish the season without any more injuries."
Should the worst happen and Aguero pick up another knock, Pellegrini is confident City's options on the bench can fill in admirably.
"But if, for different reasons, [Aguero] cannot play, we must have Kelechi Iheanacho or Wilfried Bony in a high performance level, because it's the only way to win titles," Pellegrini added.
"It's impossible for a player to play all the games."
Pablo Zabaleta, who is also finding his way back to fitness after a knee injury, also hopes there is plenty more to come from Aguero this season.
"He is one of the main players for the team -- we need the best Sergio Aguero week in, week out,'' Zabaleta said.
"There is a still a long season to go and this is a crucial period for the team. We know we are involved in the four competitions.
"Hopefully he can continue in this way and be 100 per cent fit until the end of the season. If he continues being that clinical, I am sure we will have a lot of chances to win games."