Sergio Aguero: What His Injury Could Mean for Manchester City's Title Defense

Manchester City's winning start to their English Premier League title defense was marred by a potentially serious injury suffered by Sergio Aguero.

He was stretchered off in the first half of the Citizens' 3-2 victory over Southampton. While no official word has been given regarding the extent of the ailment, City boss Roberto Mancini is concerned, according to Sky Sports.

Mancini is right to be worried, because the prolonged absence of Aguero could wreck City's EPL title defense. It was Aguero's stellar form in front of goal that propelled City to their first-ever Premier League trophy last season, culminating in that thrilling, last-gasp winner against Queens Park Rangers.

However, as important as his goals were, Aguero's biggest impact comes from how his skill, intelligence and movement contributes to City's attacking style. Overshadowed by the famous manner in which they won the league was the fact that City produced the finest attacking football of any team last season.

Much of that exciting flair is thanks to Aguero's class.

His short-area speed and clever, subtle off-the-ball movement often lure defenders out of position. This creates the space for attacking midfield trio Samir Nasri, David Silva and Yaya Toure to exploit.

The fluidity of City's attacking play will suffer if Ageuro is on the treatment table for a lengthy spell. The fact that they scored three goals without him against Southampton does not contradict that statement.

Samir Nasri stepped forward to deliver the kind of performance that his talent always promises but his attitude often precludes. However, against stronger opposition in the biggest games, City will miss Aguero's ability to add pace to both their passing and forward running.

Ageuro's possible long-term absence would also hurt fellow countryman Carlos Tevez. Aguero's technical refinement and speed of thought helped form the stylish partnership with Tevez that ultimately won City the league.

As good as Tevez is, he isn't the same without a fluid, quick-thinking forward next to him. His best work came alongside Aguero last season and during the 2008 campaign with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, during his stint with Manchester United.

Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko lack the touch and guile to help Tevez truly flourish. City's attack will soon become stunted and desperate, rather than assured, without the Aguero-Tevez partnership.

Until the full extent of Aguero's injury is made clear, City will not be prompted into action. However, if the prolific Argentine is set to miss significant time, Mancini must add a flair player of similar quality to the forward line.

Otherwise, his team will lack the inspiration they would need to turn around two-goal deficits against top opposition.