Sergio Aguero has been ruled out for three months with heart arrhythmia after being forced off in Barcelona’s home debut with chest pains.

A Barcelona statement said: ‘The player has undergone a diagnostic and therapeutic process by Doctor Josep Brugada and will be out of action during the next three months as the effectiveness of treatment is evaluated.’

The 33-year-old spent Sunday and Monday in hospital in Barcelona as extensive cardiac tests were carried out.

The Argentine striker,  who joined on a free transfer from Manchester City in the summer,  felt pain in his chest after jumping for the ball up against Alaves defender Victor Laguardia in the first half of their 1-1 draw on Saturday night.

LA preliminary diagnosis suggested he was suffering from heart arrhythmia. The former Manchester City striker asked to be taken off after 40 minutes of Barcelona’s draw with Alaves on Saturday night complaining of chest discomfort.

He was taken straight to the hospital in an ambulance to receive a medical check-up after being replaced by Philippe Coutinho three minutes before half-time.

On Monday night, the striker tweeted: ‘I am fine and in good spirits to face the recovery process. I want to thank everyone for so many messages of support and affection that make my heart stronger today.’ 

Aguero was making his first start at the Nou Camp since his summer transfer.