Major setback for Manchester City: Star midfielder out for Chelsea clash
Manchester City‘s Premier League title defence has hit a significant bump before the season has even started. The team’s key midfielder, Rodri, has been ruled out of the opening match against Chelsea on August 18th.
This news comes as a blow to Pep Guardiola’s plans, as the 28-year-old Spaniard has only just returned to training following an injury he picked up during Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 final.
Rodri’s absence is a significant one, given his influence in the midfield. Guardiola confirmed the news on August 16th, stating, “No chance. But he is in training. He feels good. We’ll have to see how he feels after training.”
But despite his optimism, it’s clear that Rodri won’t be ready in time for the crucial opener at Stamford Bridge.
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Squad concerns mount for Guardiola after Rodri missing PL opener
Adding to City’s concerns English trio Phil Foden, John Stones, and Kyle Walker are also struggling with their fitness.
The three players returned to training only recently after their post-Euro breaks and Guardiola admits they might not be fit enough to play the full 90 minutes against Chelsea. “I’m pretty sure they won’t be ready for 90 minutes, maybe 15 minutes,” he shared.
Moreover, the team will also miss young Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb, who underwent surgery for a fractured leg.
Bobb, who is just 21 suffered the injury during a training session and is expected to be out for up to four months. Guardiola expressed his disappointment, saying, “Hopefully, it (surgery) will go well and he will be back in three or four months. We are so sad for him.”
As if the injury woes weren’t enough, Manchester City recently parted ways with Argentinian forward Julian Alvarez who joined Atletico Madrid.
The departures and injuries have left Guardiola considering entering the transfer market for replacements, although he remains non-committal: “Maybe or maybe not, we will see. I’m really pleased with the squad I have, we will see.”
In the midst of these challenges, Guardiola also wished Kalvin Phillips well as he embarks on a season-long loan to Ipswich Town.
Phillips who has struggled to find his footing at City since his move from Leeds, has an opportunity to revive his career with the newly promoted side. “You have to have minutes – play, play, play,” Guardiola emphasized, leaving the door open for a potential return in the future.
Manchester City’s title defence is already shaping up to be a challenging one with key players sidelined before the first whistle. As they prepare to face Chelsea, all eyes will be on how Guardiola manages his squad through this early season test.