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Aguero: on the comeback trail. Natacha Pisarenko/AP/Press Association Images
Fitness fight

Champions League: Sergio Aguero has 'a chance' for Real clash

Despite concerns still remaining over the forward’s fitness, City manager Mancini is set to gamble on the 24-year-old.

SERGIO AGUERO WILL travel to Spain for Manchester City’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid, Roberto Mancini has confirmed.

The Argentine has been sidelined with a knee injury since the Premier League champions’ opening-day victory over Southampton, and was not risked for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Stoke.

Despite concerns still remaining over the forward’s fitness, City manager Mancini is set to gamble on the 24-year-old making a full recovery in time for Tuesday’s clash at the Bernabeu.

“I think he can have a chance,” Mancini said. “Sergio will travel with us. ”He worked with the team in the last three days before the Stoke game. We didn’t want to take any risks with him — but maybe he can be ready for Madrid.

“Will he start? I don’t know.”

Another player who has overcome a troubled start to the campaign is Gareth Barry, who returned to first-team action as a substitute at the Britannia Stadium. Barry has struggled to recover from surgery following a lower abdomen tear, and Mancini has welcomed the England midfielder’s return.

“I’m happy for Gareth after three months to play again,” Mancini said. “It’s important for us because he’s an important player and he had 30 minutes and did well.”

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