Manchester City’s Premier League title defense faces a significant setback as Spain midfielder Rodri is ruled out of the opening match against Chelsea. The 28-year-old, who recently returned to training, won’t be available for Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge.
Rodri’s absence is a blow for Manchester City, as he was forced off during Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. This injury comes at a critical time for City, who are eager to start their campaign strongly.
Rodri’s Injury Impact on Manchester City’s Season
Despite returning to training, Rodri will not be fit for the Chelsea game. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Rodri is not yet ready for action. Guardiola stated, “There is no chance Rodri will be involved against Chelsea. He is training, but we need to assess his fitness further.”
Rodri’s injury presents an early challenge for Manchester City’s bid to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League title. Guardiola expressed concerns about the team’s readiness, mentioning that other players like Phil Foden, John Stones, and Kyle Walker might also be unfit for a full 90 minutes after their post-Euro break.
Guardiola’s Concerns Over Squad Fitness
Guardiola admitted that Foden, Stones, and Walker, who have recently returned to training, may not be match-ready. He commented, “I’m sure they won’t be fit for the entire match. They might be available for a brief period, but not for a full game.”
Additionally, Manchester City will be without young winger Oscar Bobb, who is set to undergo surgery for a fractured leg. Bobb’s injury, sustained during a non-contact training incident, is expected to sideline him for up to four months. Guardiola expressed his sadness over Bobb’s injury, emphasizing the impact on the squad.
Possible Transfer Moves for Manchester City
The injury to Bobb follows the departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, leading Guardiola to consider potential transfers. He hinted at the possibility of adding new players to the squad, saying, “We’ll see if we need to make adjustments. We’re currently set, but the market might offer opportunities.”
With Rodri’s injury and other fitness concerns, Manchester City’s preparation for the Premier League opener against Chelsea is far from ideal. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to these challenges.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s preparation for the Chelsea opener is overshadowed by Rodri’s injury and other fitness issues. As the team faces these challenges, their ability to start the season strongly remains uncertain.
For more updates on Manchester City and their Premier League campaign, stay tuned.
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