Jesus eager to take his chance in Aguero's absence

Cape Town - Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus says he has learnt much from Sergio Aguero and feels ready to do a good job in his absence.

Premier League champions City will be without their record goalscorer Aguero in the coming weeks after the Argentina striker suffered a thigh injury at the weekend.

His absence will mean an opportunity for Brazil international Jesus, who has largely been kept in the wings by the brilliance of Aguero this season.

With Aguero sidelined until after the derby against Manchester United on December 7, that will start with Tuesday's Champions League clash at home to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Asked what he had learned from Aguero, Jesus, who has scored five goals in eight starts this season, said: "A lot. Sergio is a great guy and top player, so I had to do that, learning with him.

"I am not happy because Sergio is injured. Of course, I don't like it when my friends are injured but I work here every day and I am ready to play.

"When I decided to come to City, I knew it was going to be hard because we have Sergio, who is the top scorer of the club and he scores every game.

"I knew this but (here) I have a chance to play with Pep (Guardiola), with top players at a great big club. That is why I came, to enjoy and learn."

Jesus made an immediate impact when he arrived at City from Palmeiras in January and even supplanted Aguero in the team for a spell.

But injuries hampered his progress and Aguero's form since has made it difficult for the 22-year-old to get back into the side.

- TeamTalk Media