Aguero returns to Manchester City training after car accident

Sergio Aguero took light training at Manchester City's training base on Tuesday and is expected to increase his workload ahead of Saturday's visit from Stoke City.

The forward's return after suffering a rib injury in a car accident in Amsterdam on Sept. 28 is ahead of schedule, especially after Argentina team doctor Donato Villani predicted a six-week layoff last week.

If Aguero proves his availability for the weekend meeting with Stoke, he will have missed just three matches since a taxi he was travelling in plowed into a lamp post following a concert in the Dutch capital. The 29-year-old first sat out Manchester City's statement 1-0 victory at Chelsea on Sept. 30, and will miss the second of Argentina's huge October tussles, against Ecuador in Quito, on Tuesday.

Jorge Sampaoli's side could do with some additional firepower as well, with Argentina on the cusp of missing out on a World Cup campaign for the first time since 1970. Somewhat surprisingly given the embarrassment of riches in La Albiceleste's attack, the South American giant has recorded just 16 goals in 17 qualification outings.

Related: Argentina shut out at La Bombonera to put World Cup spot in doubt

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

At club level, Gabriel Jesus stepped in for Aguero in the win at Chelsea, and put in an admirable, selfless display in attack, notably assisting for Kevin De Bruyne's opener. Not only should Aguero be keen to re-establish himself as a protagonist in City's hunt for silverware, his aim will inevitably be on an individual pursuit: He's one goal shy of the club's all-time scoring record of 177, which has been held by Eric Brook for 78 years.

Manchester City follows the Stoke match with three straight home tilts against Napoli in the Champions League, Burnley in the Premier League, and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup.