Pablo Zabaleta has insisted that Sergio Aguero will be back to his best soon to boost Manchester City's title bid.

Aguero's return from a knee injury last month has been followed by five matches without a win, and Zabaleta admits that his fellow Argentine's form will be key in the latter stages of the season.

"We need Sergio to come back to his best like he was in November, December when he was doing everything for the team - scoring goals, working hard for the team," the defender told reporters.

"But after being injured for a long time for some players it is difficult to come back to his best, in terms of fitness.

"I am sure Sergio will come back to his best. It is about confidence as well. The strikers need to feel they are in a good moment. Scoring goals is the best thing for them and I am sure as soon as Sergio scores one goal then he will again be one of the best strikers in the league."

City return to action against Stoke City on Wednesday evening.