Pellegrini gives latest Man City injury update ahead of Barcelona clash

Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of Manchester City’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona at Etihad Stadium as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The Argentina international has been out of action since 29 January after picking up the problem in a 5-1 win at Tottenham and will miss the last-16 first-leg clash.

However, there was some good news for the Citizens as Pellegrini confirmed that Fernandinho is set to return to the squad for the visit of the La Liga champions on Tuesday night.

I don’t have any fear about playing Barcelona

Manuel Pellegrini

Fernandinho has sat out City’s last three games with a muscle problem but took part in full training on Monday.

“Aguero is not on the squad list,” said Pellegrini. “We’ll see if he can be fit for Saturday [against Stoke], but maybe it’s difficult.”

“[Fernandinho] has a chance, he’s in the squad list for Tuesday, we’ll see tomorrow – he worked without any problem,” he added.

Pellegrini insists that his side are relishing the chance to prove themselves against top opposition and says his players will approach the game with no fear.

“It’s a good chance to show how good we are,” said Pellegrini. “They have a lot of experience, they have a great team, they have the best player in the world but I think also we are a good team with good players.

“I don’t have any fear about playing Barcelona because this team has got to continue to develop the mentality to play against important teams, whether that’s in the last 16, the quarter-final. I hope we can win at home.”