Pep Guardiola has given his clearest indication yet that Sergio Aguero is winning a fitness battle ahead of Manchester City’s assault on the Champions League.
Aguero is currently working overtime to prove he can feature after suffering a knee injury during victory over Burnley last month.
A return for the last 16 second leg against Real Madrid in a fortnight has been considered a long shot, although there is hope he can play a part should City progress to the mini-tournament in Lisbon.
The Argentine is undergoing rehabilitation on his left knee three times a day and hopeful of starting to run in the coming days.