Aguero benched for Barcelona trip in Guardiola's latest reshuffle

Sergio Aguero has been named among the substitutes for Pep Guardiola's Barcelona homecoming, marking yet another unforeseen tweak in the new Manchester City manager's many tactical guises.

According to a tweet sent out by the club, Kevin De Bruyne could operate in something resembling a false nine role, with Aguero the only out-and-out striking option on the bench due to Kelechi Iheanacho's exclusion.

(Courtesy: @ManCity)

There were concerns over Aguero's fitness after reports of a calf issue sustained during Argentina duty earlier in October, but the player himself later allayed those fears.

His subsequent benching for Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Everton while Iheanacho led the forward line was perceived by many to be part of preparation for Wednesday's trip to the Camp Nou, but Guardiola either has a trick up his sleeve or genuine doubts over the striker's ability to play a full 90 minutes.

Ahead of the midweek tilt in Spain, Aguero has scored two hat tricks in three Champions League matches this season.

Luis Enrique, meanwhile, appears to have named his strongest possible XI, with the famed triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar ready to wreak havoc on City's at-times disorganised backline.