Arsenal v Manchester City: David Silva available, but Sergio Aguero to miss game at the Emirates

Both sides are desperate for three points in this Premier League encounter

David Silva with Yaya Toure in training (GETTY IMAGES)

Playmaker David Silva is available for Manchester City's Barclays Premier League trip to Arsenal on Saturday but striker Sergio Aguero is still not ready to return to action, Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini has revealed.

Reports had suggested Silva was a doubt for the contest at the Emirates Stadium after picking up an injury in Tuesday's 3-0 win at Manchester United, but Pellegrini said at his pre-match press conference on Friday that the Spain international will be in the squad.

City's top scorer Aguero, meanwhile, will miss out for a fourth game due to the hamstring problem he sustained against Barcelona on March 12, with Pellegrini indicating the Argentina frontman could make his comeback in the home match against Southampton on April 5.

The Chilean manager said: "The team will be exactly the same as last time, with Aguero and Matija Nastasic (who has been sidelined by a knee injury) out.

"Silva is okay and is in the squad list.

"Aguero needs one more week. We will see next week how he improves in his recovery from his injury. He will stay here and work."

Pellegrini refused to be drawn on talk that City are planning to make a move for Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna this summer.

Asked about that, Pellegrini said: "I have heard so many names through the whole year that I cannot continue talking about all the rumours every week."

PA