Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Sergio Aguero will not return from injury in time to feature for Manchester City before the end of the season.
The 29-year-old recently underwent successful keyhole surgery on his knee after struggling with the niggling issue since early March.
Argentina international Aguero's second-half appearance against Manchester United will be his last for the club this season, but Man City boss Guardiola has predicted a return to fitness in time for the World Cup finals.
"It is four or five weeks out. Hopefully he is going to be ready for the World Cup and he will be ready for the next season," the Catalan told reporters ahead of Sunday's meeting with Swansea City. "He is in Barcelona right now; for the first part of the rehabilitation he is going to be there."
Argentina's first World Cup match is against Iceland on June 16.