MIDDLESBROUGH -- Gabriel Jesus has said he is happy to fight for his place in the Manchester City starting lineup and expects to be a substitute if he is not in form.
Gabriel arrived at City in January and immediately forced his way into the starting lineup, with a series of impressive performances relegating Sergio Aguero to the bench.
But after a broken foot ruled the 20-year-old out for nearly 10 weeks, Aguero reclaimed his place and has scored 13 goals in his last 14 appearances.
Coach Pep Guardiola started with both strikers in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough and has said there is no pecking order.
"There isn't a starter or a reserve. The one in a better moment will play," Gabriel told reporters. "It's good. It's the coach's decision. We will fight for our place somehow."
The Middlesbrough game was Gabriel's first start since he fractured a metatarsal and he said he was tired after playing the full 90 minutes.
"I'm very happy with the return, but sad with that draw," he said. "It was not what we were aiming for here. Let's rest and think about the next game.
"I'm a little tired -- that's normal. I am sad that I didn't play how I know, but with almost three months out that's normal.
"I've never been out for such a long time, but I'm happy to be back, doing what I love. Now it's train and play, train and play to try to secure a place in the Champions League."
Meanwhile, Aguero hobbled off the pitch late in the game and Guardiola said after the match that he would be assessed ahead of Saturday's home game against Crystal Palace.