Sergio Aguero is the latest Manchester City player to be placed under isolation in line with coronavirus protocols following a recent outbreak at the club; though the forward has tested negative, he will miss two Premier League matches against Brighton and Crystal Palace.

Aguero had been set to make his first start since October in Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Birmingham but was absent from City’s matchday squad after having come into close contact with some who later tested positive for Covid-19.

The 10-day isolation period Aguero will face means he is set to miss home league fixtures against Brighton on Wednesday and Crystal Palace next weekend.

“Unfortunately Sergio Aguero was in contact, more than usual, with a person who is (Covid-19) positive so he isolates for a few days,” City manager Pep Guardiola said after the 3-0 win over Birmingham.

“He is negative and he is negative now too, but the protocol says if we have been in contact we have to isolate.”

The club confirmed on Sunday that goalkeeper Scott Carson, defender Eric Garcia and midfielder Cole Palmer remain in isolation following positive tests.

Aguero missed the end of last season, including City’s involvement in the rearranged Champions League knockout stages in August, and the start of the current campaign after undergoing knee surgery.

Mazi Uguru Iheke reporting, Obinwannem News