Aguero scores first Barcelona goal in training match after returning from injury

Sergio Aguero has scored his first goal for Barcelona in a training match after returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Aguero signed for Barca on a free transfer in the summer after leaving Manchester City, but was forced to wait for his debut after picking up a serious calf issue in training.

The Argentine sat out the first two and a half months of the 2021-22 campaign, missing nine games across all competitions, but has got some much needed minutes in a friendly against UE Cornella.

Aguero opens Barca account

Barca played out a 2-2 draw with the Spanish third tier outfit at Ciutat Esportiva on Wednesday morning, with Aguero and Philippe Coutinho grabbing the goals for Ronald Koeman's side.

Aguero showed his predatory instincts remain sharp when he reacted quickest to the opposition goalkeeper fumbling a shot, and was able to dribble around him before tapping the ball into an empty net.

The 33-year-old was substituted after the first half-hour of the contest, with Koeman taking no risks on a man who has only been back in first-team training for two days.

What's next?

Depending on how well Aguero recovers from his run-out against Cornella, he could be available for selection when Barca welcome Valencia to Camp Nou on Sunday.

The Blaugrana are ninth in La Liga, one place below Valencia having played a game less, and cannot afford any more slip-ups after a poor start to the season.

Aguero will likely start on the bench if he is selected, while Ansu Fati could be in line for his first start of the campaign since his return from a long injury layoff.

One man who is almost certain to miss out is Ousmane Dembele, who did not take part in the friendly with Cornella and is still working his way back to full fitness after knee surgery.

Koeman will hope to be able to call upon all three men when Barca turn their attention back to the Champions League, and a Group E meeting with Dynamo Kiev on October 20.

Further reading

• Barcelona reach Pedri contract breakthrough

• LVG: When things go bad in Barca, people blame foreigners

• Barcelona ready to raise Gavi’s €50m release clause