Manchester City faces a significant setback as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Chelsea this weekend. Star midfielder Rodri has been ruled out of the clash at Stamford Bridge due to a hamstring injury he sustained during Spain’s victorious European Championship final against England.
Manchester City Set to Miss Rodri for Premier League Opener at Chelsea
Rodri, who played a crucial role in Spain’s success, only returned to training with City on Wednesday. However, the midfielder’s injury has left him with “no chance” of making the trip to London, according to Pep Guardiola.
The City manager expressed his concerns about Rodri’s fitness, stating, “He hasn’t trained, and I haven’t seen him yet. He looks good, but we’ll see how he feels once he starts moving his body.”
Rodri’s absence is a significant blow for City, as he has been a linchpin in their midfield, particularly in high-stakes matches. His ability to dictate the tempo and provide defensive cover is unmatched, and his unavailability leaves a noticeable gap in Guardiola’s plans for the Chelsea match.
Adding to City’s injury woes, young winger Oscar Bobb is set to undergo surgery for a fractured leg. Bobb, who impressed during pre-season and seemed poised to make his mark in the first team, suffered the injury in training earlier this week.
Guardiola confirmed that the surgery is scheduled for Friday, with the club expecting Bobb to be sidelined for three to four months.
“We’re all gutted for Oscar,” Guardiola said.
“He had an incredible pre-season, and it’s always tough to see a young player go down with a long-term injury. We’re hoping for a smooth recovery and can’t wait to have him back.”
Despite these challenges, Guardiola remains focused on the task at hand. The manager also addressed the ongoing situation with Joao Cancelo, who has returned to Manchester City after loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
While there has been speculation about Cancelo’s future, Guardiola clarified that no formal offers have been made for the versatile defender.
“In training, we greet each other, we talk, we train—just like always,” Guardiola explained.
“What happens next depends on his agent and the club. If he stays, we’ll treat him like any other player. We’ve always done that here.”
As City prepares to kick off their title defense, the absence of key players like Rodri and Bobb will undoubtedly be felt. However, Guardiola’s squad depth and tactical acumen will be put to the test as they face a resurgent Chelsea side.
The match promises to be an early-season thriller, with both teams eager to make a strong statement.
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