Nothing serious: Manchester City manager on Sergio Aguero injury

Pellegrini said the Argentine, who has just returned after a six-week absence with a hamstring problem, was taken off as a precaution.

“It’s important to see with the medical staff how he recovers … it’s hopefully nothing serious,” Pellegrini told reporters.

“I spoke with Aguero before the game and we said he would play 65 minutes. He has a kick on his heel but nothing important.”

A fit Aguero remains key to Pellegrini’s plans as the Chilean could at least ponder a change of fortunes after a traumatic week for City.

Following a 4-1 home thumping by Liverpool and a 1-0 Champions League defeat at Juventus and, as conjecture grows about his future with Pep Guardiola’s name linked with the City job this week, Pellegrini needed a tonic.

Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Fabian Delph and Aleksandar Kolarov provided just that. “It was a very important reaction,” the manager said.

“I was very pleased. It was important to get three points against a team who were unbeaten away.”