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Sergio Aguero

MANCHESTER. — Sergio Aguero could escape a retrospective ban and feature in the upcoming Manchester derby after a new video emerged that appears to show he made no contact with Winston Reid. Video replays from Sunday’s game at the Etihad appeared to suggest the Manchester City striker elbowed his West Ham opponent.Referee Andre Marriner did nothing at the time, leading to speculation that if the incident had not been witnessed retrospective action may be taken against Aguero.

However, a new video has emerged which appears to make claims that Aguero made contact with Reid inconclusive. Other footage appears to show Marriner looking at the players when the incident happened, meaning he saw it and decided no action was necessary. If that is the case, it is impossible for retrospective action to be taken.

Whatever happens, Aguero is certain to miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers after the striker pulled out of the international squad with a calf strain.

Manchester City will hope that missing the games against Venezuela and Uruguay will give Aguero time to recover for their first game after the international break — the small matter of a trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United. And Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was relaxed about the possibility of losing star forward Aguero to suspension after television footage appeared to show him elbowing Reid on Sunday.

Aguero could face retrospective action by the Football Association, and suspension, if the incident in City’s 3-1 Premier League win is judged to have been deliberate. That would rule him out of City’s next game, the eagerly-awaited derby away to Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 10.

“I didn’t see it,” said Guardiola of the incident at Eastlands following a win that left City top of the table on goal difference.

“I am new here so I don’t know how it works,” the Spaniard added. “I didn’t see so I cannot comment. Hopefully nothing happens. If it happens, we accept and adapt. If we lose him, we lose him. We are going to play with 11.” Two goals from Raheem Sterling and one from Fernandinho clinched a fifth win in as many league and cup games under Guardiola’s management, although a header from Michail Antonio — called up into the England squad for the first time later Sunday — brought West Ham back to 2-1 and provided City with some anxious moments.

However, for all the changes former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola has made at his new club in fewer than two months, the form of Sterling has been most startling after a difficult debut season with the club and a terrible European Championship campaign with England in France.

“What have I done to him? Nothing,” insisted Guardiola. “I have tried to do the best for all the players.

“Raz (Sterling) has scored two goals, was good but the games before was more brilliant than today (Sunday).

“Today in the first half he scored a goal but didn’t win too many defensive duels. Second half he was better, but of course we are so pleased.

“He can play right, left centre. He is so dynamic. I am so happy he is playing good.

“Raz is quality. We try to help him to say, ‘if you stay in that position, you receive the ball quicker’. “After when he receives the ball, it is completely his talent. Manchester City bought this player because they believe.” The game also offered a rare chance for Samir Nasri, who appeared to be surplus to requirements under City’s new management, to come on as a substitute and make an impact against West Ham. — Sky Sports.