Barcelona have a bigger problem after Aguero ruled out for 10 weeks

Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been out of action for 10 weeks, the club announced on Monday, exacerbating the problems of the Catalans ahead of the new season after the shock departure of Lionel Messi.

Aguero, a close friend of Messi and his international team mate with Argentina, joined Barca as a free agent in June after 10 years with Manchester City.

Barca’s statement said Aguero, 33, had injured a tendon in his right calf muscle and would be out for around 10 weeks, meaning he will not make his debut until Oct. 17 at the earliest, when they host Valencia in La Liga.

Aguero’s problem comes after a final season with City blighted by injuries, limiting him to only seven Premier League starts.

Barcelona Ronald Koeman is now short of striking options for his team’s opening league game against Real Sociedad on Sunday, with Martin Braithwaite, Antoine Griezmann and Memphis Depay his only available forwards.

Messi is reportedly finalising a move to Paris St Germain a day after his teary farewell from Barca, who could not afford to sign him to a new contract.