Manchester City are highly likely to be missing key player Rodri when they begin their Premier League season at Chelsea on Sunday.
The defending champions head to Stamford Bridge for the opening game of the 2024/25 campaign, where Pep Guardiola will face his former assistant Enzo Maresca.
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This match could be challenging, particularly if Rodri is unable to play, which currently seems almost certain.
The defensive midfielder did not participate in pre-season, having been given additional time off after helping Spain secure Euro 2024. City’s England trio—John Stones, Kyle Walker, and Phil Foden—were also granted a summer break.
The quartet missed last Saturday’s Community Shield victory over Manchester United, but the Three Lions players resumed first-team training on Monday and could be available for the Chelsea game.
However, the Manchester Evening News has reported that Rodri won’t return until Wednesday, possibly due to an injury from the Euros final.
With only a few days to regain full fitness, it is quite unlikely that the 28-year-old will be included in the starting XI against Chelsea. His return is expected to be against Ipswich Town at the Etihad on August 24.
In Rodri’s absence, Mateo Kovacic stepped into the defensive midfield role during the Community Shield and recently mentioned that Guardiola has been assisting him in adapting to this deeper position.
Guardiola will offer a detailed update on player fitness closer to the Chelsea fixture, but he has already indicated that Jack Grealish is an injury concern for the west London trip.
‘He had discomfort for two days, especially on Friday, and his condition wasn’t ideal,’ the manager said after Grealish missed the Community Shield win.
‘I don’t think it’s a major problem, but we didn’t want to risk it. It’s a setback as he was in form and playing aggressively.
‘He might be ready for the Chelsea game, or more likely for the Ipswich Town match. If the injury had happened now, it could have been a three-week or month-long absence.’
