When will Sergio Aguero make his Barcelona debut?
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 16 Oct 2021 15:49 BST
- 3 min read
Sergio Aguero could potentially feature in Barcelona's La Liga match against Valencia on Sunday evening.
The Argentine left Manchester City in the summer and joined Barcelona, yet his start to life back in Spain hasn't been plain sailing.
First, his good friend Lionel Messi left the club, and one of the main reasons he joined the Blaugrana was gone, and then he suffered an injury to his calf.
He has already missed nine games at the start of the season, and he is yet to make his debut for the club.
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However, some good news has finally emerged: Aguero is set to make his comeback as he nears a return to full fitness.
READ MORE: PLAYERS NEED TO BE PROTECTED FROM INJURY
During the week, he featured in a practice match at the club's training ground, the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, and even found the back of the net.
Ronald Koeman has provided an update on Aguero's fitness and hinted the player could be involved in a small capacity against Los Che.
"He's improved a lot lately, playing 20 to 25 minutes in Wednesday's friendly. He's going well," the Dutchman said.
"He isn't in match or physical rhythm, but that will come with gametime. He's in contention to be in the squad, he can bring a lot to the side.
"The important thing is that he improves fitness-wise, and he'll do that playing games."
The last time Aguero appeared on a football pitch in a competitive game was for Argentina against Ecuador in the Copa America, although that was as a 94th minute substitute.
His last club appearance was off the bench in Manchester City's Champions League final loss to Chelsea.
Injury troubles becoming a concern
While Aguero was a consistent goal-scorer for Man City, he could have netted far more if he'd been injured less during his time at the club. Of course, his troubles are far less serious than some players', but Aguero still missed 106 games through injury or illness during his time at the club.
Seventeen of those missed games came thanks to a knee injury in 2019/20, and he also missed 10 games after contracting the coronavirus and suffering serious effects.
With a fresh challenge, Aguero would've hoped to rid his injury issues, but they seem to still be there.
That's why it's key that Ronald Koeman and Barcelona don't rush him back too quickly. In any case, Barcelona's away trip to Valencia should be the game in which Aguero finally manages to make his debut for the club.
