Manchester City injury news: Sergio Aguero targets return in time for Liverpool clash

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero had admitted that he is close to returning to full fitness and is set to hand the Etihad Stadium outfit a major boost ahead of their clash against Liverpool following the ongoing international break. The Argentine international suffered a hamstring injury while playing for his country in their 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador.

The 2013/14 Premier League champions continue to lead the league in his absence, but his presence was sorely missed as they struggled to break down a resolute Aston Villa defence during their 0-0 draw on Sunday (8 November). The striker, however, has now revealed that he is close to returning to full fitness, and is expecting to be back training with the first-team by next week at the latest, which will see him ready to face Liverpool.

"I don't think I'm too far away now. Physically, I feel good and I've kept as fit as I can during my lay-off," Aguero said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"I still need to work hard for another week and if not this week, then maybe next, I hope to start training with the rest of the lads and so and my target is Liverpool. I'll take things slowly and not rush into anything, but I'm not far away," the former Atletico Madrid forward added.

The game against the league leaders, meanwhile, will be Jurgen Klopp's biggest test as Liverpool manager, despite having beaten a struggling Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge in October. The Merseyside club are battling injury troubles of their own and the manager faces the prospect of facing Manuel Pellegrini's in-form team without most of his first choice players.

Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson are sure to miss the game owing to their knee and foot injuries respectively, and now first choice centre-back Mamadou Sakho has joined the growing list and is likely facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging ligaments during their 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday. The former Borussia Dortmund manager was devastated after suggesting that he rather lose a game than not have his main central defender: "I would prefer to lose 4-1 and keep him in the team," Klopp said, as quoted by Sky Sports.