(Manchester City are ready to welcome back Sergio Agüero from a lengthy injury after the international break - image via Manchester City Official Facebook)
Wilfried Bony was the latest player to limp through the revolving doors of the club's injury room after sustaining a hamstring injury in City's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. Bony will miss the first leg of the Ivory Coast's World Cup qualifying tie against Liberia this evening and will play no part in the home leg on Tuesday.
The news that Sergio Agüero is expected to return in next weekend's clash against Liverpool, however, will soften the blow of Bony's absence for City fans. The Ivorian has been the subject of criticism since stepping into the void left by Agüero five weeks ago, with an ample section of supporters questioning the striker's contribution to the team.
Expectations for the 26-year-old were high when he joined City for a fee of £28m in January. A predator and a bully in the penalty area, Bony had scored 25 league goals in 54 appearances for Swansea City and had more goals to his name (20) in 2014 than any other Premier League striker. It's fair to say there was excitement surrounding the arrival of the proven goalscorer who could replace the physicality of Álvaro Negredo and reinvent the 'Beauty and the Beast' partnership the Spaniard enjoyed with Agüero.
(Wilfried Bony has been the subject of criticism from City fans since moving to the club in January 2015 - image via Getty Images)
Almost 10 months on, and the Etihad Stadium is yet to experience the potential profit of an Agüero-Bony alliance. Injuries, coupled with Pellegrini's dwindling affection for 4-4-2, has seen the partnership employed just three times and the two forwards have been judged on their individual performances over their ability to work in tandem with one another.
And it's clear that Agüero remains the fan's number one choice - a reality that will never change until the South American leaves the club. Regardless of how well or badly the Argentine plays, the support and praise of the Etihad Stadium is guaranteed. That 93rd minute winner against Queens Park Rangers in 2012 certainly goes some way to securing Agüero's status as one of Manchester City's finest ever players; but the 115 goals, three major domestic trophies and the general likability of the former Atlético Madrid striker also have to be taken into consideration when trying to understand how special this individual is to City, both on and off the pitch.
At City, Agüero is untouchable. Even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would have a difficult time filling his boots.
So imagine how difficult the task must be for Bony. With an excellent goalscoring record and Premier League experience behind him, the pressure on him to hit the ground running at his new club was already heavy; but hang the presence of a striker that will never be replaced over him and it becomes crippling. Bony had no such pressure in South Wales and must be given time by his new supporters to make the adjustment.
He may not possess the speed and movement of his striker partner, but Bony has done an impressive job in Agüero's absence. Comparisons between the two have made the rounds on social media, but comparing two completely different players on the same attributes is fruitless. Agüero is a speed merchant - able to wrap his opponent's right leg round the left while Bony is excellent in making the ball to stick to the attack and bringing others into play. It is no surprise that Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne have shone alongside Bony in the last month.
(A comparison of Sergio Agüero and Wilfried Bony this season)
Bony has not shown the same ruthlessness in front of goal as he did at Swansea City, but his contributions to City's attacking play this term must not go unnoticed. With five goals, three assists and an admirable total of 13 chances created to his name so far this season, the Ivorian has unquestionably played a lead role in City's bright start to the 2015/2016 campaign and criticism is undeserved.
