BY DAN KARELL
Manchester City received more unfortunate news yesterday, as forward Sergio Aguero has been diagnosed with a muscle tear in his left hamstring.
Aguero announced the news on his Twitter page, after traveling to Italy for tests on the injured leg. Aguero limped off in the 76th minute of City’s 3-0 win over Southampton on New Years Day.
Now the Argentine is nearly certain to miss next weekend’s match-up against Arsenal, and will likely be out for an even longer period of time.
Here are some other stories to get your Sunday going:
BARCELONA GIVEN A BOOST WITH VILANOVA’S RETURN
In one of the feel-good stories of the season, Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova is set to return to the coaches dugout for today’s Barcelona derby between Barcelona and Espanyol, just two weeks after undergoing surgery on a cancerous tumor in his saliva glands.
The Barcelona boss, who was not expected to return until the middle of January, will continue to coach while receive chemotherapy treatment.
Vilanova last coached the team on December 16, as Barcelona beat second-place Atletico Madrid 4-1.
ROBINHO REMAINS IN MILAN, FOR NOW
Robinho’s plan to follow his countryman Pato from A.C. Milan to Brazil will have to wait a little bit longer.
According to reports, Santos FC in Brazil have failed to come to an agreement with Milan over a transfer to bring Robinho to the club. In response, Milan coach Massimo Allegri has declared that Robinho will stay in Milan until at least the end of the Italian season.
The 28-year-old has scored just two goals and recorded three assists in 11 games this season for the Rossoneri.
RIQUELME DENIES REPORTS OF BOCA RETURN
There has been intense media speculation the last couple of weeks in Buenos Aires, as former Barcelona and Argentina star Juan Roman Riquelme was linked to re-sign with former club Boca Juniors, and play for his former Boca coach Carlos Bianchi.
Today, Riquelme refuted the claims, saying that despite attending Boca’s first pre-season training session this weekend, he was just an observer.
Interestingly enough, Riquelme did almost come to play in Major League Soccer with Chivas USA, as Bianchi was being considered for the managerial position, before accepting his current role at Boca.
QUICK KICKS
Arsenal defender Johan Djourou loaned to Hannover until the end of the season. (REPORT)
Wolverhampton is holding talks with Doncaster manager Dean Saunders after sacking manager Stale Solbakken. (REPORT)
Marseille forward Loic Remy is being rumored with a move to the English Premier League. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you think City will be able to keep pace in the top four without Aguero? Do you see Robinho leaving Milan for Brazil this summer? Do you think Riquelme will ever rejoin Boca, or even come to MLS?
Please share your thoughts below.