Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Samir Nasri Deliver Illness Scare to Manchester City

Manchester City have been handed a triple fitness scare just days before their opening Premier League game of the season, with Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Samir Nasri all sent home suffering from a reported virus.

Andy Hampson of the Press Association (h/t the MailOnline) reported the trio were absent from the club’s pre-season gala because of illness and that a virus has “infiltrated the City squad” ahead of Monday’s campaign opener against West Bromwich Albion.

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Aguero, who was due to pick up his 2014-15 Player of the Year award on the night, sent a message to the City supporters instead, per the club’s official Twitter feed:

According to Hampson, Aguero also said, “Sorry I can't be there, I don't feel well. I will be back soon.” Midfield stars Silva and Nasri were also absent, but according to Hampson, all three players will most likely be back in training prior to City’s trip to the Hawthorns on Monday evening.

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It’s a big season for City after losing their Premier League title to Chelsea last season, and the three aforementioned players will be key if the club are to recapture their place at the summit of the table. As such, supporters will be a little concerned by these reports and will be hoping no other squad members are gripped by the illness.

John Cross of the Daily Mirror took to Twitter to predict big things from Manuel Pellegrini’s side in 2015-16:

"

Off to the Premier League launch this morning. Here's my predicted table. I've gone for Man City for the title... pic.twitter.com/KEQXm0j3dc

— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) August 5, 2015"

Although losing both Silva and Nasri would be a major blow to City, Aguero is the one player who looks genuinely irreplaceable in the squad. Having loaned out Stevan Jovetic and looking likely to lose Edin Dzeko to Roma, per Sky Sports, Pellegrini, who likes to operate with two centre-forwards, would only have the Argentinian and Wilfried Bony to call upon.

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OptaJoe offered some insight into the kind of influence Aguero has on this City team at the sharp end of the pitch:

Hopefully, for those of a sky-blue persuasion, this illness is as minor as reported. But any time missed by Silva, Nasri or Aguero in the buildup to City’s opener will be to the detriment of Pellegrini’s preparations. During a week managers desperately hope goes smoothly, it’s a far from ideal scenario for the Chilean.