Manchester City Forward A Doubt For Tottenham Clash

Manchester City have been dealt a blow ahead of their clash with Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday, with news that Sergio Aguero is a serious injury doubt.

The former Atletico Madrid forward was replaced at half time during City's 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night due a troublesome hamstring injury, and assistant manager David Platt has confirmed that the Argentine may now be ruled out of the trip to White Hart Lane.

When quizzed on Aguero's injury status, Platt said, "Just the sheer proximity of the game on Sunday would say he is a doubt," the Evening Standard reported

Roberto Mancini's side closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United to 13 points with their win against Wigan yesterday, but will need to avoid defeat on Sunday in order to further delay United's title celebrations. Should Spurs claim a win, Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be able to seal their 20<sup>th league title if they collect all three points when they welcome relegation-battling Aston Villa to Old Trafford the following day.

Tottenham have a number of injury concerns of their own. Gareth Bale, Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon are all doubts for Sunday's game, with William Gallas and Younes Kaboul also expected to be unavailable. But Andre Villas-Boas' side will enter the contest the fresher of the two sides, having enjoyed a ten day rest since their last game, a Europa League quarter-final exit at the hands of Basel.

Tottenham defender Michael Dawson is wary of the challenge the FA Cup finalists will present, with City coming off a run of four straight wins, further boosted by their confirmed presence in next month's FA Cup final. But with Spurs desperate to claw their way back into the league's top four, Dawson will be looking to the club's home support to help drive the club closer to a place in next season's Champions League.

"There is no better place than White Hart Lane when it's rocking and that support can make such a difference," Dawson told the club's official website.

"When the players are performing and the fans are behind us, they are our 12<sup>th man, just like they were recently against Arsenal. We'd all love a repeat of that. "

Tottenham have fallen outside the Champions League places into fifth, but still have a game in hand over their north London rivals Arsenal.