Guardiola Reveals Rodri Injury Blow

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that midfielder Rodri will not be “really fit” until after the September international break following a groin injury sustained at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Spain international, who missed much of last season with a knee injury, picked up the issue during City’s defeat to Al Hilal in the last 16. While he has returned to training, Guardiola has opted to leave him out of the squad for Saturday’s friendly against Palermo.

Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, and Claudio Echeverri have also not travelled.

“Rodri is getting better but he had a big injury in the last game against Al Hilal,” Guardiola told reporters. “Hopefully after the international break is when he will be really fit. We don’t want him coming back injured.”

City begin their Premier League campaign against Wolves before facing Tottenham and Brighton in their first three matches.

FAQs

• What type of injury does Rodri have? A groin injury sustained at the Club World Cup.
• Will he miss Premier League matches? He may play limited minutes but is unlikely to be fully fit.
• When will he return? Expected after the September international break.
• Who else missed the Palermo friendly? Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, and Claudio Echeverri.

Conclusion

Rodri’s injury is a setback for Manchester City ahead of the new season. With key fixtures early on, Guardiola will have to manage his midfield carefully to avoid further issues.