Sergio Aguero: Manchester City striker set to miss at least two games in self-isolation

Aguero came into close contact with somebody carrying the virus

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero (Getty Images)

Sergio Aguero is still self-isolating and will be unavailable to Manchester City for "nine to 10 days", says Pep Guardiola.

The City striker will miss Wednesday's Premier League meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion, having only made three starts in all competitions this season.

Aguero has tested negative for Covid-19 but came into close contact with somebody who tested positive before last weekend's 3-0 FA Cup third round win over Birmingham City.

"He's in quarantine," Guardiola confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon. "The rules, I think after nine or 10 days he will be back."

Aguero’s isolation period means he will miss Crystal Palace’s visit to the Etihad on Sunday in the Premier League. Aston Villa then travel to Manchester on 20 January, 10 days after Guardiola revealed his striker was in quarantine.

Raheem Sterling has been passed fit to face Brighton after missing the win over Birmingham, but Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake remain sidelined with thigh and muscle issues respectively.

Eric Garcia, Cole Palmer and Adrian Bernabe are also in self-isolation and unavailable to Guardiola.

City are enjoying a long, 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions and are gradually gaining ground on the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United at the top of the table.

Guardiola is delighted with how his side are playing after dropping points early in the campaign but is only focusing on one game at a time as they hunt down the pace-setters.

“Since the game against West Bromwich that we dropped two points, after that our performances were good, but every game we have to regain and win again your mood, your solidarity between the players, and the quality we have to play," he said.

"The mood is good and we have to continue tomorrow and after the rest and then the next one. There's not much time to think about what is going to happen. 

"The schedule, January and February is so busy but it is good to again try to do what we have to do."