Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that Sergio Aguero could mount a challenge for the Ballon d'Or this season.

The Argentina star suffered an injury-plagued campaign last year, but his manager has said that he is now fully fit and ready to prove himself as one of the world's top players.

"Of course it's very important to be fit every game," Pellegrini is quoted as saying by Manchester Evening News. "It's very difficult for a player when you are not playing every game during the whole year.

"Maybe you can have some injuries during the year, but three or four different injuries that always stops you working with normality. Of course it is very difficult for a player. But that happened last year. This year, Kun doesn't have any problem with injury.

"Aguero is among the best players in the world. Now it is up to him to make it and fight for the Ballon d'Or as best player, because he has all the qualities you can ask of a football player."

Despite his limited pitch time last season, Aguero still managed 28 goals in all competitions for Manchester City.