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Manchester City will be without Sergio Aguero for the opening game of the season at West Brom.

And manager Manuel Pellegrini will also be without Kun's Argentina team-mates Martin Demichelis and Pablo Zabaleta, as well as Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, for the trip to the Hawthorns.

They will all begin their pre-season training next week, three weeks after the rest of the squad, due to their involvement in the Copa America – in which Argentina reached the final.

Said Pellegrini: “It's more difficult for the South American players because Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho finished later, in the first days of July, so they won't have 30 days.

“I think when we return to Manchester they will start their pre-season.

“Maybe they will not be involved in the first game but I am sure they will work hard and will be involved as soon as they can.”

“I think in football it's so important to work hard but also resting has the same importance. You have so many games throughout the year, that if you don't give them 30 days after they've finished their internationals, it's very difficult for them to work hard.

“They started one week later but they should arrive in their best shape for the start of the Premier League.”

That means the Blues will have a fight to get their four South American stars ready for the following week's game, a showdown with champions Chelsea.

It could also mean that Raheem Sterling gets thrown into the fray from the very first day and follows the news that Fabian Delph could also miss the start of the season after injuring his hamstring against Real Madrid.

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Pellegrini says he has sensed a strong determination about his squad after they timidly coughed up the Premier League title last season – and failed to win any of the other trophies on offer.

Joe Hart said last week that preparation for this season began back in April, when it became clear that Jose Mourinho's side would clinch the crown.

“I agree with Joe because I worked with the players every day and I'm seeing they are angry and a little bit wounded because of what happened last season,” he said.

“So I am sure that we are going to see a very competitive team and a performance again from some players that maybe last year were not in their best moment.”