Manchester City’s Premier League title defense will kick off without Rodri as Pep Guardiola confirmed the absence of the Spanish midfielder in Sunday’s opener against Chelsea.
After sustaining an injury during Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England, Rodri, who has been crucial for City, has just returned to training but is not yet cleared to play.
While Phil Foden, John Stones, and Kyle Walker from England are hopeful to be in the lineup versus Chelsea post their break, Rodri won’t be available.
Guardiola mentioned, “No chance” when asked about Rodri’s involvement against Chelsea, indicating that his fitness is still being evaluated after training sessions.
Rodri’s absence at the beginning of the season poses a challenge for City’s ambition of clinching a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
Guardiola acknowledged that fitness concerns might hinder City’s performance in the opening match, especially as Foden, Stones, and Walker are not at their peak condition after a late return to training.
Commenting on their readiness, Guardiola said, “I’m pretty sure they won’t be ready for 90 minutes, maybe yes, maybe 15 minutes.”
However, the team suffered another setback with Oscar Bobb’s injury, for which he will undergo surgery to mend a fractured leg bone, keeping him out for about four months.
Guardiola expressed sadness over Bobb’s misfortune and hinted at a possible need to dive into the transfer market for reinforcements, following Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid.
He stated, “I’m really pleased with the squad I have; we will see. I’m set. We will see what happens in the market.”