Manchester City will face a significant early-season challenge as they begin their Premier League title defense without one of their key players, Rodri. The influential midfielder has been ruled out of Sunday’s highly anticipated clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge due to an injury sustained during Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory over England. This news, confirmed by City’s manager Pep Guardiola during a press conference on Friday, adds to the mounting concerns for the reigning champions as they aim to secure a fifth consecutive league title.
Rodri’s absence is a major setback for City, especially given his crucial role in anchoring the midfield. The 28-year-old has been a cornerstone of Guardiola’s tactical setup, providing both defensive solidity and the ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His importance was highlighted during Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign, where he played a pivotal role in their triumph. However, an injury forced him off the pitch at half-time in the final, and despite returning to training, he has not recovered sufficiently to be included in the squad for Sunday’s opener.
When asked about Rodri’s availability, Guardiola was clear in his response: “No chance. He is in training. I don’t know, I haven’t seen him yet. He feels good. We’ll have to see how he feels after training.” This cautious approach underscores the need to ensure that Rodri is fully fit before reintroducing him into the rigors of Premier League action.
The timing of Rodri’s injury could not be worse for City, as they face a Chelsea side eager to make a statement under new manager Enzo Maresca. The Blues, who have undergone significant changes during the summer, will be looking to capitalize on any vulnerabilities within the City lineup. Without Rodri, City will need to find alternative solutions to maintain their midfield dominance, a task that is made more difficult by additional fitness concerns within the squad.
Guardiola also revealed that England internationals Phil Foden, John Stones, and Kyle Walker, who have just returned from their post-Euros break, are not fully match-fit. While they are expected to feature in the squad, Guardiola admitted that they might not be able to complete a full 90 minutes. “Foden, Stones, and Walker are back in training, but they’ve only had a few sessions. I’m pretty sure they won’t be ready for 90 minutes, maybe yes, maybe 15 minutes,” he said.
These fitness concerns leave Guardiola with limited options as he prepares his team for a challenging start to the season. The situation is further complicated by the injury to young Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb, who is set to undergo surgery after fracturing a bone in his leg during a non-contact training incident. Bobb’s injury is expected to keep him sidelined for up to four months, a significant blow given his potential to provide depth and versatility in the attacking positions.
“Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured,” Guardiola said of Bobb. “He is having surgery this afternoon. Hopefully, it will go well, and he will be back in three or four months. We are so sad for him.”
The absence of key players and the potential for further injuries has led to speculation that City might dip into the transfer market before the window closes. The departure of Argentina forward Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid has already thinned the squad, and Guardiola did not rule out the possibility of bringing in reinforcements. “Maybe or maybe not, we will see,” Guardiola said. “I’m really pleased with the squad I have, but we will see. I’m set. We will see what happens in the market. We can continue to January in that way or maybe we will add some players.”
As Manchester City prepares to face Chelsea, the early season tests are already beginning to mount. The absence of Rodri, coupled with the fitness concerns surrounding other key players, means that Guardiola will need to draw on all of his tactical acumen to navigate this difficult period. The pressure will be on to secure a positive result in West London, setting the tone for what promises to be another fiercely contested Premier League campaign.
