Sergio Aguero could return for Manchester City's game at Stoke

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero could return from a knee injury as the champions visit Stoke in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

Fellow forward Mario Balotelli is clear to play after undergoing minor eye surgery during the international break but midfielder Gareth Barry (abdominal) is not yet fully fit and defender Micah Richards (ankle) remains sidelined.

Defenders Maicon and Matija Nastastic, midfielder Javi Garcia and winger Scott Sinclair - all deadline-day signings last month - could play some part.

Provisional squad: Hart, Pantilimon, Wright, Maicon, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, K Toure, Nastasic, Clichy, Kolarov, Nasri, Milner, Y Toure, Rodwell, Silva, Garcia, Sinclair, Aguero, Dzeko, Balotelli, Tevez, Razak.