Barcelona have confirmed Sergio Aguero will be unavailable for selection for at least three months after he was taken to hospital on Saturday, October 30th 2021.
The striker came off the pitch during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Alaves clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems.
Aguero underwent cardiac tests at the hospital as a precautionary measure after leaving the ground in an ambulance and it seems further tests to establish any problems will now continue over the coming months. Moreover tests after the game revealed cardiac arrhythmia. Norberto Debbag, an Argentine cardiologist, did provide the public with an explanation on what a cardiac arrhythmia means for an athlete. "An arrhythmia can be studied within 24 hours, the diagnosis will already be in place," Debbag explained.
"Ventricular ones are the most complicated because there is damage to the structure of the heart, whilst Atrial arrhythmias are more benign, which can be solved with medication. We have no details about Aguero but it won't take long to find out, just when he will play again will depend on the time of arrhythmia that is detected," Debbag added.
A statement on Barcelona’s website on Monday read: ‘The first team player Sergio Aguero has been subjected to a diagnostic and therapeutic process by Dr.Josep Brugada. He is unavailable for selection and during the next three months the effectiveness of treatment will be evaluated in order to determine his recovery process.'
Aguero later tweeted Barcelona’s official update with the message: "I am well and in good spirits to face the recovery process. I want to thank you all for so many messages of support and love that make my heart stronger today."
Barcelona caretaker coach Sergi Barjuan said he’d been in contact with the former Manchester City forward and admitted he was ‘calm’ about the situation."I talked to him and he’s calm. He’s confined to his room but considering the situation he’s calm," Barjuan said on Monday. Aguero, who has made just five appearances this season since joining the Catalan giants, was always set to miss Barca’s Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev this week and Barjuan is hoping to steady the ship in these next few weeks while the club search for Ronald Koeman’s permanent replacement.
"Barcelona have to win always. But we all know the importance of tomorrow’s game," Barjuan said. Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele, Frenkie de Jong, and Ronald Araujo have all trained and have the go-ahead to return to matchday fitness. The four players are all in the squad for the match which Barca must win to have a chance of qualifying for the last 16. The Catalans took all three points in the reverse fixture with Gerard Pique scoring in a 1-0 win at the Camp Nou.
As we’ve seen of late, Barcelona need all the help they can get in the attack. So Dembele and Fati both being fit are fantastic news. De Jong being fit is of obvious help and no one needs me to say how important he is the Barcelona midfield.