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Manchester, England (SportsNetwork.com) - Manchester City got a bit of a boost ahead of its Champions League round of 16 first leg match against Barcelona on Tuesday as midfielder Fernandinho is back in contention for a starting place.

The Brazilian has missed City's last three matches because of a muscle injury, but manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that he will be available for Tuesday's game, which will bolster Pellegrini's options in midfield.

Fernandinho has been a key contributor in his first season at the Etihad Stadium, starting 20 games in the Premier League with three goals and three assists.

The news on striker Sergio Aguero was not as good, however, as Pellegrini said he will take no part in Tuesday's match.

The Argentina international has been battling a calf problem and could miss next weekend's league match with Stoke City as well.

Aguero has been limited to 17 league appearances because of injury problems this season, but he leads the club in goals with 15.