Pep Guardiola will be without one of his key players for the opening game of the season (Picture: Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola will be without one of his key players for the opening game of the season (Picture: Getty Images)

Rodri is set to miss Manchester City’s first game of the Premier League season against Chelsea this weekend.

Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon in what promises to be a tough opening day fixture for the defending champions.

But the City manager has confirmed they will be without their lynchpin in central midfield.

The 28-year-old limped off at half-time during Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory over England with a suspected knee injury and hasn’t trained since returning to Manchester from an extended summer break.

Guardiola said ‘He didn’t train. I didn’t see him yet. I think he feels good, but we will see when he starts to move his body how he feels. But no chance [for Chelsea].’

City have not lost any of the last 50 Premier League games Rodri has played in since a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in February 2023, winning 49 and drawing nine.

Their only three defeats last season came when Rodri was unavailable.

Rodri
Rodri hasn’t trained with Man City since returning to the club from a summer break (Picture: Getty Images)

In another major blow this week, Guardiola also revealed the extent of Oscar Bobb’s leg break.

He said: ‘It was in the training session and unfortunately it had a big impact on his injury.

‘He will be in surgery this afternoon I think and hopefully he is going to be well and we have him back as soon as possible in three or four months.

‘We are so sad for him because he was having an incredible pre-season. We look forward to seeing him again as soon as possible with a good recovery.’

Oscar Bobb has also been ruled out for at least three months (Picture: Getty Images)
Oscar Bobb has also been ruled out for at least three months (Picture: Getty Images)

When asked whether he will be looking to sign more players after losing Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and Bobb’s injury, Guardiola added: ‘Maybe or maybe not, we will see.

‘I’m really pleased with the squad I have, we will see. I’m set. We will see what happens in the market. We can continue to January in that way or maybe we will add some players.’

John Stones, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden missed the Community Shield clash with Manchester United but all three are back in training this week and could feature against Chelsea.

Jack Grealish remains an injury doubt having missed the game at Wembley with a hamstring issue.

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