In this May 31, 2021 photo, former Manchester City's player, Argentine forward Sergio Aguero poses on the pitch of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona during his official presentation as new player of FC Barcelona. (LLUIS GENE / AFP)

BARCELONA - Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of action for 10 weeks, the club said on Monday, deepening the Catalans’ troubles ahead of the new season following Lionel Messi’s shock departure.

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

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.

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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.