Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman hinted that forward Sergio Aguero could make his debut in Sunday’s LaLiga home meeting with Valencia.
The Argentine joined Barca from English champions Manchester City on a free transfer in July when his contract expired, but has yet to feature competitively due to a calf injury.
Aguero did play – and score – in a behind closed doors friendly during the international break, and Koeman said he is in contention for Sunday.
“He`s improved a lot lately, playing 20 to 25 minutes in Wednesday’s friendly. He`s going well,” Koeman said.
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“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 visit of Koeman’s former club Valencia marks the start of a big week for both coach and team, with Dynamo Kiev visiting the Camp Nou on Wednesday before arch-rivals Real Madrid come to town next Sunday.
Ansu Fati is also in contention to make his first start since injuring his knee last November, and Koeman said a final decision will be made on Sunday.
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“He’s improving everyday, but he’s been out a long time and you can’t just return in two weeks,” Koeman said.
“We need to think with Ansu that there`s three games this week and he can’t play all three. We need to decide what`s best for the team.”
Barca will be without defender Ronald Araujo, midfielder Pedri and forward Martin Braithwaite for Sunday`s encounter, which will be the first time the club have been able to play in front of a full home crowd since before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
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