Manchester Metropolis will likely be with out Rodri for the beginning of their Premier League title defence after Pep Guardiola revealed that the Spain midfielder has been dominated out of Sunday’s opener towards Chelsea.
The influential 28-year-old has solely simply returned to coaching after being pressured off at half-time throughout Spain’s 2-1 win towards England in final month’s Euro 2024 ultimate.
Whereas England trio Phil Foden, John Stones, and Kyle Walker hope to characteristic at Stamford Bridge after their post-Euros break, Rodri has not been cleared to return to motion.
Requested on Friday if Rodri could possibly be concerned towards Chelsea, Guardiola instructed reporters: “No likelihood.
“He’s in coaching. I don’t know; I haven’t seen him but. He feels good. We’ll must see how he feels after coaching.”
Rodri’s absence is an early blow to Metropolis’s bid to win a fifth successive Premier League title.
Metropolis would like to make a powerful begin to their title defence in west London, however Guardiola admitted that health points might hamper them on the opening weekend.
Foden, Stones, and Walker usually are not totally match after solely returning to coaching in midweek following their holidays.
“I’m fairly positive they gained’t be prepared for 90 minutes, possibly sure, possibly quarter-hour,” Guardiola mentioned.
“The essential factor is everyone is again, and aside from Oscar Bobb, the remainder are OK.”
Bobb will bear surgical procedure on Friday to restore a fractured bone in his leg following a non-contact coaching floor incident on Wednesday.
Guardiola expects the younger Norway winger to be sidelined for as much as 4 months.
“Sadly, he had a big effect and bought injured,” Guardiola mentioned. “He’s having surgical procedure this afternoon.
“Hopefully, it is going to go nicely and he will likely be again in three or 4 months. We’re so unhappy for him.”
Bobb’s setback follows the latest departure of Argentina ahead Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, and Guardiola mentioned he could be pressured into the switch marketplace for replacements.
“Perhaps or possibly not, we’ll see,” the Spaniard mentioned. “I’m actually happy with the squad I’ve; we’ll see. I’m set.
“We are going to see what occurs out there. We are able to proceed to January in that manner or possibly we’ll add some gamers.”
AFP