Sergio Aguero will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Saturday, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
The striker has not featured in City’s last three games after experiencing a muscular problem.
It is the latest in a catalogue of injury and illness issues to have blighted the Argentinian’s final season at the club.
Asked if the Argentinian would be available for the Wembley tie, Guardiola said at a press conference: “No, not yet.”
City have no fresh injury concerns following the memorable Champions League quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund in midweek.
“They [the players] are OK. Tired, but OK,” Guardiola said.
The manager does not think it will be difficult to motivate his side for the FA Cup after the high of reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
“It is much easier. Imagine playing that game after not qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals. It would be tougher,” Guardiola said.
“Of course I would love to have more days to enjoy our qualification, for recovery and to prepare for the game but the schedule is the schedule and when you are a contender in all competitions you have to handle this schedule,” he added.