Even as fans try to accept and digest the news of Lionel Messi’s departure, Barcelona have been hit with another devastating blow just a week out from the new season. The club have announced that Sergio Aguero has been ruled out for over two months with a calf injury.
Aguero arrived at Barca earlier this summer on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester City had run out. The 33-year-old made the switch in hope of playing with close friend and international teammate Messi, but that will not materialise now.
This had led to speculations that Aguero was angling for a move away from Catalonia within months of his signing. However, the Argentina striker was quick to rule out those rumours. However, Barcelona fans will still have to wait for a while to see the 33-year-old in action.
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As per the report, Aguero will not be involved at least until October, due to a tendon rupture in his calf. It is claimed that Barcelona were aware of the injury issue when signing the Argentine and had hoped that he would be ready for action by mid-September.
However, tests on Monday have revealed a much worse prognosis, with the 2021 Copa America now set to be ruled out for around two months.
In fact, other outlets are reporting that he could be sidelined for three months or more as well, meaning he will at least miss nine La Liga matches and three UEFA Champions League games.
With Messi gone, Aguero would have been the senior figurehead in the attack for Barcelona. However, it was no top secret that the veteran has been struggling with fitness issues since a year ago. He hardly featured for Man City last term, and it seems like the Catalans too will face a similar problem with the 33-year-old. [Esp]