Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that it is "very important" Sergio Aguero remains fit for the remainder of the campaign if Manchester City are to topple Chelsea.

The Argentina international scored twice in last night's 4-1 victory against Stoke City to ensure that the gap on the current league leaders remains at seven points.

Aguero has struggled to get going following his recent return from injury, although having bagged his first goals since December 3, Pellegrini is hopeful that his star man can shake off a knock picked up against the Potters ahead of their next match in 10 days' time.

"It's very important for Sergio to be fit," The Mirror quotes him as saying. "If he can be fit for two to three months in a row, we can see again what a good player he is.

"He felt something in his back, but my feeling is that it's not something too serious. We now have nearly 10 days to rest and train well. I hope he will be fit to face Newcastle on February 21."

Aguero has scored 21 goals in 29 outings for the champions so far this season.