LIVERPOOL - Manchester City will be without the club's all-time record goalscorer Sergio Aguero for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, first leg away to Liverpool.
The Argentine striker, who has scored 30 goals this season, has been sidelined for a month with a knee injury.
City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday Aguero hasn't travelled with the rest of the squad for the clash at Anfield.
"He's in Manchester, he didn't come. He was injured in last three weeks, so still not fit," said Guardiola.
However, the Catalan coach remains hopeful Aguero will be fit to play a part as City hope to wrap up the Premier League title against local rivals Manchester United on Saturday, and for the second leg of their quarter-final tie with Liverpool next week.
"Unfortunately in the best moment we had with Sergio he was injured," added Guardiola.
"He is much, much better, but the doctors, physios spoke with him and he said 'I still have a little bit problem, I don't feel comfortable at all' and he knows perfectly his body."
City will still be able to name a fearsome front line on Wednesday with Gabriel Jesus set to start alongside Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling after all three were on target in a 3-1 win at Everton on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Guardiola promised to stick by his principles and attack Liverpool, despite admitting he is playing into his opponents' hands.
Liverpool are the only side to beat runaway leaders City in the Premier League this season in a 4-3 thriller at Anfield in January.
The hosts' fearsome front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane were all on target that day as part of their combined tally of 75 goals this season.
However, Guardiola's bold brand of attacking football has been accompanied by success everywhere he has gone in a stellar coaching career from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and now at City.
And he believes that is the best way for City to reach just their second ever Champions League semi-final, but the eighth in his nine seasons as a top-flight coach.
"I know the way we play is perfect for Liverpool because they are a team that attack the space unlike any other team in the world, especially Mane, Salah, Firmino, they are so good," said Guardiola on Tuesday.
"But I feel the best way to win is the way we try to do since we were here."
No opposing manager has beaten Guardiola more times than Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. In 12 previous meetings, Klopp has six wins to Guardiola's five.