Antonio Conte says Sergio Aguero car crash injury does not change Chelsea vs Manchester City
CHELSEA manager Antonio Conte has said that the serious injury to Sergio Aguero will not change his preparation for Manchester City.
The Argentine was involved in a serious car crash overnight, breaking ribs as a taxi driver smashed into a lamppost in Amsterdam.
Aguero was in the Netherlands to see Colombian pop star Maluma.
The 29-year-old was saved by his seatbelt as he was being driven back to the airport - but is still facing up to two months out.
Speaking ahead of their titanic clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, Conte offered his well wishes to the striker.
He said that the injury will not change his plan, however.
The Italian said: "No, first of all I am sorry for this situation.
"I hope his feeling is good, but when you have this accident it might not do. I hope he is well."
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Conte was also asked whether he was surprised Aguero had travelled abroad so close to the big game.
"It was a day off, I prefer to talk about my players and not other players or clubs," he added.
"It is a lack of respect to judge or give evaluations."
Players going abroad is quite a common practice on their days off and Conte said he was not worried at all at the practice.
"Honestly, I am not worried.
"I have players to make the best decision.
"When there is a room to travel to go see a game.
"I was a player, when you have a day off you must take your own responsibility to make the best decision for yourself and the club.
I like to give responsibility. The players are not kids, they are men who have a family.
"It is important to give the right responsibility and then they have to make the best decision."
Speaking to Argentine media, Aguero is quoted as saying: "The taxi driver did not see the curve and skid. And when he skidded, we hit the pole.
"I broke my rib, now I'm resting. It hurts me badly. I'll be discharged in a little while."
Pep Guardiola confirmed he will be out for a while, although didn't give a solid time.
The Man City boss said: "I’ll speak this afternoon with him. But I know he’s OK and we hope he will recover as soon as possible.
"He cannot play tomorrow. He cannot go with Argentina. I don’t know until he sees the doctor, but the first impression is that he’s broken the rib but how many days he’ll be out, I don’t know."