Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed skipper Vincent Kompany’s absence ahead of the top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal FC on Monday. But the good news for City is that star striker Sergio Aguero will return to the side after recovering from injury.
Right-back Pablo Zabaleta is not even fit enough to train, but Pellegrini hopes to have him back by next week. Along with Kompany and Zabaleta, Samir Nasri and Fernando will also be sidelined.
Aguero returns
Pellegrini confirmed Aguero’s return, but suggests he will undergo one final assessment before the match.
“Kun is working with the squad without problems. We’ll asses him to see if he’s 100% to start the game but I think he’ll be in the squad on Monday,” the Chilean said, as reported by the club’s official website.
Kompany blow for City
Skipper and defender Vincent Kompany will not be able to marshal his troops against Arsenal FC, as he continues to recover from his injury. Pellegrini, however, hopes to see him in training next week.
“Vincent is improving. I hope next week he’ll start working with the squad.”
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Aguero’s inclusion pivotal to City’s chances
Aguero’s return will not just give City a boost, but it will also affect Arsene Wenger’s mindset, as is likely to happen when the best striker in the league leads the line against you. While Aguero’s presence is psychologically pressurising for the opposition, he will also take advantage of the frailties in the Gunners’ defence. It will be interesting to see how Arsenal contain him and the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva.
