Pep Guardiola drops fitness concern for key star ahead of Liverpool game

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that Sergio Aguero has been struggling with a foot problem which has been the reason behind his early exit from matches.

The Argentina international suffered the problem during the 2-1 win at Newcastle United earlier this month and he has since started in four of City's five matches where he has been subbed shortly after the hour mark.

Speaking to reporters, Guardiola has now confirmed that the marksman is struggling to play the entire 90 minutes with a foot injury and this could remain the case for the upcoming games against Hoffenheim and Liverpool.

"Sergio is struggling a bit with some problems in his foot. He is not 100 percent. He has not recovered from what happened against Newcastle and we spoke about playing 60 minutes and we were lucky he scored at the right moment," he said.

Aguero was only a second half substitute during the Champions League opener against Lyon this month and Guardiola may utilise a similar ploy in midweek with Gabriel Jesus a suitable candidate to lead the line.

Manchester City made a rather forgettable start to their European campaign after they were beaten by a 2-1 scoreline by Lyon in front of their home fans but they have the opportunity to return to winning ways in the competition when they face Hoffenheim on the road on Tuesday night.