Why Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero are Integral to Manchester City Trophy Hopes

The news that Sergio Aguero has returned to full training has given Manchester City the biggest possible boost as they prepare to take on Sunderland in Sunday's League Cup final.

Aguero has been out since injuring his hamstring in the 5-1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane at the end of January, where he scored his 50th Premier League goal and was having one of his best games for the club before his night was brought to a premature end.

In his absence, City have struggled in an attacking sense, with Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko misfiring in tandem. It's an impotence not usually associated with City under Manuel Pellegrini and he will be hoping Aguero's return sees the goals begin to flow again.

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Aguero still has to prove his fitness, but given he returned to full training on Tuesday and has until Sunday to prepare, it seems likely he will play some part.

The extent of his involvement appears to rest on how much of a risk Pellegrini is prepared to take. With City going to Barcelona in less than two weeks desperately in search of a win, he may decide to wrap his principle goal threat in cotton wool in order to ensure he is ready for the Nou Camp.

"

115 - Sergio Aguero has the best minutes per goal rate in @PremierLeague history scoring on average every 115 minutes. Delivered.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 26, 2014"

And City's Premier League calender is also becoming increasingly intense due to rearranged matches.

They are likely to have played three games less than their rivals by the time they next play a league match. Aguero's pace and steeliness in front of goal make him essential to City's cause, and after two prolonged injury lay-offs, the first of which saw him miss a month with a calf injury, they will want to make sure he stays fit for the remainder of the season.

City are also set to offer Samir Nasri a new three-year deal as a reward for his excellent season, according to Sam Adams at The Mirror.

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The Frenchman, who struggled badly last season, has been completely reinvigorated by Pellegrini's arrival and City's tactical alterations and has emerged as one of their stand-out performers this term.

His ability to drift inside and switch positions with David Silva has added fluidity to City's attack and seen Nasri lauded by the City supporters who had grown frustrated with him last season.

Like Aguero, Nasri spent a month out after injuring his knee in City's 2-0 win at Newcastle in January, but he has made an effortless return to form, needing no time to readjust.

News of a new deal further demonstrates the club's commitment to tying up their best players on long contracts. At 26, Nasri is entering his prime and City will want to make sure his best years are spent with them.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2013-14 season. Follow him on Twitter here: @RobPollard_.