By Toby Prince
Manchester City have been dealt a double blow with Sergio Aguero and David Silva injured in action for Argentina and Spain respectively during the international break.
Aguero has confirmed that he will be on the sidelines for over a month while the severity of Silva’s injury is yet to be assessed after being substituted for what is ostensibly a twisted ankle.
Aguero’s absence will be a major blow to the Citizens, after his return to form in a five-goal romp against Newcastle United last weekend.
The Argentine will be out of action following a grade-two tear on his right hamstring and will definitely be missing the critical Manchester Derby scheduled for the second week following the international break.
“The studies we did today show that Sergio Aguero has a grade-two muscle tear,” the Argentine FA confirmed in a statement on Twitter.
Aguero confirmed the injury and stated that he does not expect to be back in action before November, which will come as a major blow to both Argentina and City, with the former already without Lionel Messi.
The South American outfit have a crucial World Cup 2018 qualifier against Brazil scheduled for next month and with both their star players out, it will be an uphill task for manager Gerardo Martino to come up with an alternative.
Meanwhile, Silva was substituted in Spain’s 4-0 romp against Luxembourg on Friday, with Santi Cazorla scoring a brace to seal a win for the defending champions. The marquee midfielder was brought off the pitch early in the first half and will undergo tests to determine the extent of his injury.
City will be hoping that the injury does not rule him out against Manchester United, with a potential top of the table battle on the cards when the two lock horns at Old Trafford later his month.
The unavailability of the key duo could as well pave the way for Nigeria youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, to stake a claim for regular first team football.
Iheanacho, 19, who has been deployed as a striker by coach Manuel Pellegrini this season, could also play in the Silva role behind the striker.
Also, the fact that Cote d’Ivoire front-man Wilfred Bony is having a poor run of form should also be an added advantage to the Nigerian.
Since joining the Citizens in January from Swansea City, Bony has only managed two goals in all competitions – which is a horrific record for a club chasing titles on all front.
In contrast, the young lad has scored once in four appearances this season – despite coming in as a substitute in all occasion.
Pellegrini who has shown so much faith and trust in Iheanacho believes the player is an important member of his squad and has a lot to learn.
“Kelechi is a very young player,” the Chilean said.
“He worked with the rest of the first team all week. In front of him are Kun and Bony who are very good players, but he is an important striker who still have a lot to improve.”
