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yesterday

Guardiola Delays Rodri’s Return Until After September Break, Exposes Midfield Shortfall

City must adjust rotation for early Premier League fixtures with a trimmed midfield as Guardiola prioritises player welfare.

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Photo IMAGO
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Photo IMAGO

Overview

  • Pep Guardiola confirmed Rodri will not be available until after the September international break and will only feature off the bench in the first three league games.
  • The 29-year-old Ballon d’Or winner sustained a groin problem during City’s Club World Cup loss to Al Hilal, compounding last season’s ACL rupture and limiting his training to individual work.
  • Mateo Kovacic’s Achilles surgery sidelines him until September or October, leaving City with just three natural midfield options: Nico González, Ilkay Gündogan and Tijjani Reijnders.
  • Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol and Claudio Echeverri were withheld from the Palermo friendly to safeguard their fitness ahead of the season opener.
  • Guardiola has favoured training sessions over friendlies, increasing rotation prospects by relying on a slender midfield for matches against Wolves, Tottenham and Brighton.