By IVES GALARCEP
Sergio Aguero’s long injury layoff appears ready to finally come to an end, and it is coming at just the right time for Manchester City.
The Argentine striker is reportedly set to return for the Citizens for this weekend’s potential championship decider against Liverpool. Aguero has missed Manchester City’s past five matches with a hamstring injury, but manager Manuel Pellegrini has stated that he believes Aguero will be ready for Sunday’s showdown in Liverpool.
Manchester City has done well despite Aguero’s absence, going 4-0-1 without their leading scorer, but Aguero’s presence would provide a major boost against a streaking Liverpool side.
Here are some other stories to get your Friday going:
UEFA CLEAR COURTOIS TO FACE CHELSEA
When Atletico Madrid was drawn against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League semifinals, the immediate first question that came to mind was whether Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would be able to play against the club he is currently on loan to Aletico from.
The answer is yes after UEFA rejected any potential fees imposed on Atletico Madrid for playing Courtois against his parent club.
One report suggests Chelsea might ask for a reduction in the asking price for Brazilian striker Diego Costa, who the Blues are reportedly after in the summer transfer market.
GUNDOGAN OUT FOR SEASON, WILL MISS WORLD CUP
Highly-regarded Borussia Dortmund midfifelder Ilkay Gundogan has seen his entire season erased by a back injury that has sidelined him since August, and now it appears he won’t be coming back at all this season.
Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp revealed on Thursday that Gundogan will not play for Dortmund again this season, and ruled the 23-year-old central midfield out of contention for the World Cup.
Gundogan drew major attention from European powerhouses after a stellar 2012-2013 season for Dortmund, with Barcelona among the clubs interested in his services. Now it remains unclear just how long it will take him to recover from the nerve injury in his back.
QUICK KICKS
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney could be facing an extended break in order to heal a fractured bone in his toe. (REPORT)
——-
Injured strikers Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez could be back for Fiorentina in time to play in the Coppa Italia final on May 3rd against Napoli. (REPORT)
——-
The Michael Jackson statue that used to call Fulham’s Craven Cottage home has found a new home. (REPORT)
——-
What do you think of these developments? Think Manchester City can win at Anfield with Sergio Aguero back? See Atletico beating Chelsea in the Champions League semifinals?
Share your thoughts below.