Sergio Aguero: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola rules striker out of starting in Manchester derby

Posted Friday, December 11, 2020 by Skysports.com

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has ruled out starting Sergio Aguero in Saturday's derby despite his goalscoring return from injury in the Champions League.

Aguero, who hadn't featured in the last games, came off the bench to score City's second goal as they beat Marseille 3-0 at the Etihad on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Argentine striker was making just his fifth appearance this season due to knee and hamstring issues.

Asked if Aguero could start the derby, live on Sky Sports, Guardiola said: "No."

City had already qualified for the last 16 of Europe's top club competition and the victory saw them complete the group stage with a club-best 16 points, with Guardiola highlighting Aguero's continued threat in front of goal.

"His instinct to score will always be there," he added. "He's had three or four training sessions and the reaction was good.

"He had 25 minutes and scored a goal. Step by step. Will see the reaction tomorrow."

Guardiola, who made nine changes for the visit of Ligue 1 club Marseille, said he did not yet know his team for the derby.

"Now it's time to celebrate it and tomorrow I am going to think about the Premier League and the derby," he said.

"We have two days to think about it."

Guardiola added that midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will be assessed after being taken off at half-time following a knock to the ankle.

City are one point behind Manchester United, who secured a first league double over City in a decade last season, in the Premier League after both clubs' opening 10 fixtures of the season.

Guardiola's side unbeaten in all competitions since the 2-0 league defeat by Tottenham on November 21.