Manchester City boss Mancini angry over 'stupid' Aguero call-up

The Italian has slammed the "ridiculous" Fifa rules which allowed the 24-year-old to be drafted into the Argentina squad despite his recent lay-off with a knee injury

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has slammed Fifa rules which allowed Sergio Aguero to be called up to the Argentina squad despite battling with injury.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in the Premier League champions’ opening game of the season against Southampton.

However, that blow, which has kept the striker out of action for a month, did not prevent him being called upon by coach Alejandro Sabella for the World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.

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When asked by reporters whether Aguero had remained in Manchester during the international break, Mancini replied: "No, because his manager wanted him there.

"He went there for five days, he worked with the physio. The Argentina manager wanted him there.

"This is a stupid rule because if we had a player who is injured for two weeks it is better he stays here."

Aguero, who finished as the club’s top scorer last term, could make a return to first-team action against Stoke if he passes a late fitness test or may be saved for the Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.

"Sergio is not 100% but his knee is okay. Maybe he could be on the bench,” Mancini added.