Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola expressed his confidence in the ability of striker Sergio Aguero to restore his form in time, to help the club in the Premier League title race.
Due to injuries and illness, City's historic top scorer Agüero has only participated in 3 matches in all competitions this season.
The 32-year-old Argentine was infected with the Coronavirus last week, after missing the start of the season following knee surgery, before suffering an injury to the hamstring muscles.
Guardiola told reporters, "He encountered difficulties in the first 3 or 4 days. He felt very sick, but today he says he feels a lot better. Now is the time for him to get a negative test and when that happens he will come back here and we will see how his condition will be day after day."
"I cannot say when he will return. But I am optimistic that he will give us good times from February or March to the end of the season."
"I hope he helps us with his extraordinary ability. That is why he is one of the best strikers ever, not only in England but in the history of football."
City, who advanced to second place after six straight wins, face West Bromwich Albion later on Tuesday.
On the other hand, former Manchester City and England player Mika Richards, in statements to the British press, questioned Aguero's physical abilities after a series of injuries he had suffered and demanded a contract with another striker.
Richards said that his former team needs to sign Spanish striker Diego Costa in order to win the English Premier League, especially as it is a free deal after his contract with Atletico Madrid expires.