Aguero ready for return against Liverpool after ban

England Striker Sergio Aguero is ready for the challenge of Liverpool, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned.

Top scorer Aguero has missed City’s last four games after being sent off for a wild tackle on Chelsea’s David Luiz earlier this month. During his enforced break - a second suspension of the season after being hit with a three-game ban in August - Aguero has spent some time resting back at home in Argentina. But now the 28-year-old is back and looking to add to his season’s 16-goal tally in Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated Premier League clash at title rivals Liverpool.

“He is ready,” Guardiola said. “He came back good from Argentina - finally back after seven games banned, three games plus four - and we are happy he is back.”

The New Year’s Eve clash at Anfield pits third-placed City against the side immediately above them. It will also be the first time Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, two of the Premier League’s elite managers and rivals from spells in Germany, have faced each other in England. The anticipation is heightened as Liverpool are the competition’s highest scorers so far this season with 45 goals.