Pep Guardiola likely to miss key midfielder for Premier League opener against Chelsea

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to be without crucial midfielder Rodri for the team’s Premier League opener against Chelsea on Sunday.

The match, set to take place at Stamford Bridge, will kick off the 2024/25 season with City facing a challenging start against Enzo Maresca’s side.

Rodri, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory this summer, was granted extended time off and did not participate in City’s pre-season preparations.

The 28-year-old also missed the Community Shield win over Manchester United last weekend.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Rodri is scheduled to return to training at the Etihad on Wednesday.

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However, with limited time to regain match fitness and possibly still recovering from an injury sustained in the Euros final against England, it’s unlikely he will start against Chelsea.

Instead, Rodri’s return to the starting lineup is anticipated for City’s match against Ipswich Town on August 24.

Rodri did not take part in Man City’s pre-season having been granted extra time off after helping Spain win Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.

However, according to Manchester Evening News, Rodri is not due to return back to Etihad until Wednesday, perhaps because of the injury he suffered in the Euros final against England.

The report added that with only a few days to get back up to speed, it seems very likely that the defensive midfielder won’t be thrown straight back into the starting XI against Chelsea, with his return more likely to be against Ipswich Town on August 24.