MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he expects Sergio Aguero to miss "a few games" because of a thigh injury and confirmed the striker will miss the derby with Manchester United.
Aguero limped off during the second half of the 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday and scans undertaken on Sunday have confirmed he will need a spell on the sidelines.
- ESPN Premier League fantasy: Sign up now!
- VAR in the Premier League: Ultimate guide
- When does the transfer window reopen?
- Premier League winter break: All you need to know
"He will be out a few games, a few weeks," Guardiola said.
"I don't know exactly. The derby is in two weeks? I don't think so [he will be fit]. Maybe we have a miracle."
City face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday and trips to Newcastle on Burnley before United visit the Etihad Stadium on Dec. 7.
Asked directly whether Aguero would miss the derby, Guardiola said: "Yes."
Gabriel Jesus, 22, is set to benefit from Aguero's absence and will return to the team against Shakhtar as City go in search of the point that will guarantee qualification from Group C.
"I'm not happy because Sergio is injured," Jesus, who has scored five goals this season including one in the reserve fixture against Shakhtar in September, said.
"I don't like it when my friends are injured but I work hard every day. I'm ready to play and show every time that I want to improve. I'm ready.
"When I decided to come to City, I knew it would be hard because we had Sergio. I think I have a chance to play with Pep and other top players here. I came to a top club to learn and enjoy."
At a news conference on Monday, Guardiola was faced with questions about the future of his assistant Mikel Arteta amid speculation he could be lined up by former club Arsenal if they decide to sack under fire Unai Emery.
"Emery is manager of Arsenal," Guardiola said. "Of course, he [Arteta] will be [a] manager sooner or later.
"Now we will see in the future what will happen. I would like him honestly to stay with us as long as possible. Manchester City have incredible value as person to work for the future.
"Everyone, not just me, is more than satisfied to have him here."