Rodri injury setback deals blow to Man City ahead of Chelsea opener

LONDON – Manchester City's English Premier League title defence will begin without midfielder Rodri, as Pep Guardiola confirmed that he will be sidelined for their opening match against Chelsea on Aug 18.

The influential 28-year-old has only just returned to training after being forced off injured at half-time during Spain’s 2-1 win against England in the Euro 2024 final in July.

While English trio Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker hope to feature at Stamford Bridge after their post-Euro break, Rodri has not been cleared to return to action.

Asked on Aug 16 if he could be involved against Chelsea, Guardiola told reporters: “No chance. But he is in training. He feels good. We’ll have to see how he feels after training.”

Rodri’s absence is an early blow to City’s bid to win a fifth successive Premier League title.

Guardiola’s men would love to make a strong start to their title defence in west London, but the manager admitted fitness issues could hamper them on the opening weekend.

Foden, Stones and Walker are not fully fit after only returning to training in midweek following their holidays.

“I’m pretty sure they won’t be ready for 90 minutes, maybe 15 minutes,” Guardiola added.

“The important thing is everybody is back and except for Oscar (Bobb) the rest are OK.”

The 21-year-old Bobb has undergone surgery to repair a fractured bone in his leg following a non-contact training ground incident in midweek. Guardiola expects the young Norwegian winger to be sidelined for up to four months.

“Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured,” he said.

“Hopefully, it (surgery) will go well and he will be back in three or four months. We are so sad for him.”

Bobb’s setback follows the recent departure of Argentinian forward Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and Guardiola said he could be forced into the transfer market for replacements.

“Maybe or maybe not, we will see,” the City boss said.

“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.”

Guardiola also wished England international Kalvin Phillips well in his move to newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town on a season-long loan.

The defensive midfielder started just six games for City after arriving from Leeds two years ago and then joined West Ham on loan in January but played only 10 games there.

“You have to have minutes – play, play, play,” Guardiola said. “Maybe there is a chance (for Phillips) to come back here in the future.” AFP,