Aguero and Fernandinho have been missing since October after suffering injuries against West Ham United and Porto respectively, whilst Sterling and Ake both picked up problems during the international break.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAN CITY PODCAST
It remains to be seen whether the forward duo will be involved against Spurs on Saturday, but Pep Guardiola has ruled the Brazilian midfielder out of the clash.
“Except for Nathan and Fernandinho, the rest have started to come back,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“Fernandinho is not fit. He has a bit of gastroenteritis, something in his stomach.
“Sergio trained this week. Raheem trained for the first time today with the team.”
City travel to the capital five points behind Jose Mourinho’s men, who sit second in the table following a seven-match unbeaten run.
Asked whether he thought the North Londoners could be considered title contenders, the boss revealed how impressed he has been with the club, both under Mourinho and his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Guardiola.
“They dropped points against West Ham and Newcastle in the last minute. Imagine the points if they hadn’t.
“The quality was always there. They qualified for the Champions League for four or five years and reached the final.
“They have been a good team since Pochettino took over. It is a fantastic squad.”
Since Guardiola agreed a new two-year contract on Thursday, speculation has been rife that City will pursue a move for Lionel Messi, with whom the Spaniard enjoyed a golden period at Barcelona.
However, the 49-year-old refused to be drawn on the topic as he once again reiterated his desire for the Argentine striker to finish his career at the Camp Nou.
“Lionel Messi is a Barcelona player,” added the boss.
“I have a huge gratitude for what Barcelona did for me as a player in the academy and as a manager. I have said many times that I would like Leo to finish his career there.
“I don’t know what is in his mind. We have only incredible targets in our mind. I can’t say anything else about the rest.”
You can watch exclusive CityTV productions, including the upcoming FA Youth Cup and scouting documentaries, with a CITY+ subscription.
