LONDON (THE GUARDIAN) - Sergio Aguero is hopeful of being available for Manchester City's home game with Stoke City on Saturday in what would be a surprise early return from the rib injury the striker suffered in a car crash less than two weeks ago.

The striker broke a rib in Amsterdam when the vehicle taking him to the airport after a pop concert crashed into a pole on Sept 28, two days before City won 1-0 at Chelsea in their final Premier League match before the international break.

The Argentinian was expected to be ruled out for around six weeks yet it is understood he will undergo a late fitness test before the Stoke game.

While he missed Argentina's final World Cup qualifiers, he resumed light training at the club on Tuesday morning.

The 29-year-old's response to this first session back was encouraging and so Pep Guardiola wants to wait until the final moment before determining his fitness to play.

City are unbeaten in all competitions and lead the league on goal difference ahead of Manchester United.

Before his injury, Aguero had been instrumental in City's flying start, scoring seven times in eight appearances.