Barcelona Suffer Early Setback With Star Forward Out For 10 Weeks Ahead Of New Season

FC Barcelona have suffered an early setback ahead of the 2021-22 season as their new signing, Sergio Aguero, has been ruled out for at least 10 weeks.

Aguero, who moved from Manchester City to Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, is suffering a calf injury that will delay his maiden appearance for the Catalans when the new campaign kickstarts this weekend.

After winning the Copa America with Lionel Messi-led Argentina in June, Aguero began to train with Barcelona's first-team at the Ciutat Esportiva. The star forward has sustained a tendon injury on his right calf, according to Barcelona's official website.

Aguero, who has been handed the No. 19 shirt at Barcelona, is yet to be officially registered amid the financial struggles of the Catalans, which has seen fellow countryman Lionel Messi depart Camp Nou in emotional circumstances. The former Atlteico Madrid forward will not have to wait on a competitive debut for his new club as he is expected to be out of action until the middle of October.

Considered as one of the greatest strikers in the world, Aguero could miss as many as nine domestic matches for Barcelona at the beginning of the 2021-22 season. He will also be absent for the start of group-stage action in the 2021-22 Champions League, as Barcelona look to chase major honors without club legend Messi.

The games that Aguero is expected to miss in the La Liga are against Real Sociedad, Athletic Club, Getafe, Sevilla, Granada, Cadiz, Levante, Atletico Madrid and Valencia. The former Manchester City legend could return in time for the first Clasico clash with Real Madrid, which is scheduled to be held on Oct. 24, but he will be seriously short of match fitness and sharpness.

Injury lay-offs have become regular for 33-year-old Aguero, who sat out 17 games for Manchester City during his final season at the Etihad Stadium, having previously missed 24 in the 2019-20 campaign with muscle and knee issues.

On Sunday, Barcelona played their first game without Messi when they took on Juventus in a pre-season friendly game. The La Liga giants won the game 3-0, with Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite and Riqui Puig on the scoring charts.