Manchester City v Liverpool: Sergio Aguero ready to return, David Silva and Vincent Kompany still out

Sergio Aguero is fit to make his Manchester City return against Liverpool but Manuel Pellegrini is still without David Silva. Aguero plundered five goals in a 6-1 win over Newcastle United in October but has missed the club's last seven games after suffering a grade-two hamstring tear while on international duty with Argentina in October.

The former Atletico Madrid star told the club's website last week he was doing "everything in his power to get to the match" at the Etihad Stadium on 21 November, and his manager has now confirmed the striker is ready to return.

"Sergio is fit – he is ready to come back," Pellegrini told a press conference, the club's official website reports.

David Silva was another injury victim in that October international break. The playmaker suffered an ankle injury in Spain's European Championship qualifier and Pellegrini believes it is still a "risk" for the Spaniard to play.

Vincent Kompany is also set to miss out. The City captain pulled out of the Belgium squad during last week's international break with another calf problem and has not recovered in time to return for his club. City are also still reeling from the news that Samir Nasri is facing three months out.

"David continues with some sprain in his ankle so it is a risk for him to play. Unfortunately Samir Nasri is also injured. Bony and Vincent Kompany are also injured," Pellergrini added. "One of the merits of this team is not just to depend on one player but of course our team is better with Sergio."

Manchester City are level on 26 points with Arsenal but sit top of the Premier League table thanks to their superior goal difference. The Gunners can reclaim top spot, albeit briefly, when they take on West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon. City kick off later that evening.