Sergio Aguero expected to miss at least a month

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero is expected to be out for over four weeks with the hamstring injury he sustained while on international duty with Argentina, manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed.

The 27-year-old was stretchered off with the problem during the first half of his country's surprise 2-0 home defeat to Ecuador last week. Some reports suggested he could be out for around two months with the issue, but it's better news for City and Argentina that it's not as bad as first feared.

"Sergio has a muscle injury - it's an important injury so I don't think he will be back before one month," Pellegrini said at the pre-match conference for Saturday's visit of Bournemouth.

Related: Pellegrini hopes Kolarov can return for the Manchester derby

In addition to this weekend's clash, a month in the treatment room will also prevent Aguero from featuring in the two upcoming matches against Sevilla in the Champions League, and the trip to archrival Manchester United in the Premier League.

Games against Crystal Palace, Norwich City, and Aston Villa will also be missed by the striker before a realistic return for Liverpool's visit to the Etihad Stadium on Nov. 21.

City is riddled with injuries as the busy festive period creeps nearer. The mercurial David Silva is sidelined with the hope he can return for the Manchester derby, while Gael Clichy, Aleksandar Kolarov, and Fabian Delph are all current absentees, too.

Pellegrini's side sits atop the Premier League table after eight matches, and will be a strong favourite to overcome the recently promoted Bournemouth.