Pep Guardiola revealed Sergio Aguero missed City’s victory over Bournemouth with a muscular problem.

The Argentine was a surprise omission from the squad but the Catalan boss explained he was not prepared to ‘risk’ the striker, ahead of a packed December schedule for the Blues.

“It is muscular disturbing,” he stated. “He is not completely fit.

“It was a little bit of a risk, the doctors and physios told me and we don’t want to take that risk.

READ: Sterling on target again as Blues see off Cherries

WATCH: Inside City | Episode 319

GALLERY: City stay unbeaten and stay five clear at the top

“There are a lot of games and we don’t want to take risks of injuries. One month or a month-and-a-half loss with nine or ten games is too much.

“I don’t know if Aguero will be fit (for the midweek game against Watford). We will see.

“You ask me why Sergio and David Silva don’t play and I’ll give you an argument for each one.

“(I base my decisions on) doctors, physios, instinct and what I see. There are many reasons.”

Reflecting on the triumph over the Cherries – City’s seventh in succession, gained with goals from Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan – Guardiola expressed his delight, dubbing the result (his 400th win as a manager) one of the most pleasing of the season.

“It was a good win,” he declared. “After the Champions League, it is always tough.