Just when Pep Guardiola thought that his roster injury problems were easing off a bit, especially with Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte beginning their return to the side, Manchester City were struck by the injury plague yet again.
Now Sergio Aguero is set to miss the Manchester Derby on December 7 as well as two way trips to Newcastle and Burnley as per Manchester Evening News.
Aguero hobbled his way out of City’s win over Chelsea this past weekend due to a thigh injury. Guardiola confirmed to the press that “barring a miracle”, the striker will not be available for the game against Manchester United at the Etihad stadium on December 7, leaving them with Gabriel Jesus as the only fit striker in the squad for this major clash.
This is expected to be a golden opportunity for Jesus as Aguero is certainly out for several weeks. The Brazilian has so far scored five goals in 16 appearances for City this season (Transfermarkt). It’s not without reason that Guardiola has often referred to him as a player who is amongst the best secondary strikers in the football world today.
He told the press: “I’m not happy that Gabriel doesn’t (normally) play, that’s not news. I understand that. But what’s important is the day after how he trains.
“He’s an incredible guy and I think they respect each other. It’s not easy. We will miss Sergio but in Gabriel we have a star in that position. When he arrived, his energy, his impact immediately seduced us.”’
Guardiola has often used Raheem Sterling as the team’s central striker, but he’s all set to give Gabriel Jesus a regular run now. This new opening also serves as a good opportunity for the young attackers at City to make an impression on the side.
Both Adrian Bernabe and Ian Carlo Poveda have made their first-team debuts with the club. The talented 17-year-old Dutch player Jayden Braff has already earned excellent reviews from the Manchester City Academy staff recently.
Jesus has always expressed his willingness to play a secondary role at City, and he’s also admitted time and again that he is really behind one of the finest strikers in Europe right now. He accepts the fact that his situation is rather complex because he’s at a big club comprised of big players, as well as a big manager.
Jesus said as per the club’s website:
“I am not happy because Sergio is injured. I don’t like it when my friends are injured but I work hard every day and I am ready to play.”
Regardless of the friendship, the 22-year-old admitted being unhappy at not always starting.
“It is not easy as I am a guy who wants to play and improve my football.”
City have already suffered dip in form due to the absence of key players like Aymeric Laporte for a long spell. While the injury to a player of Aguero’s quality is a blow for any side, Gabriel Jesus presence surely means the striker role is in the hands of a good deputy.
