Pep Guardiola will be without one of his star players this weekend. (Image: Getty)
Rodri will not be available for Manchester City's Premier League opener against Chelsea this weekend, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
A key man for the Blues in recent seasons, Guardiola will have to cope and get back into shape for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
It is a blow for Guardiola, not least because City lost every Premier League game Rodri did not feature in last season except one.
Regarding the Spanish midfielder's availability, Guardiola said: “He hasn't trained. I haven't seen him yet. I think he feels good, but we'll see when he starts moving his body how he feels.”
“But no chance [for Chelsea]” . “
Rodri limped off at half-time during Spain's Euro 2024 final win over England with a suspected knee injury.
Guardiola remained evasive over Rodri's return date, with the City boss stressing the club were taking no risks with his recovery.
It comes as transfer speculation links the Premier League champions with Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes.
But when asked about possible transfer deals between now and this month's deadline, Guardiola kept his cards close to his chest.
Guardiola said: “Maybe, maybe not! We'll see. I'm really happy with the team we have. I know the mood is: 'We have to sign! We have to sign!' We'll see.”
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Rodri was named Player of the Tournament at this summer's European Championship. (Image: Getty)
Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with a move to Manchester City. (Image: Getty)
As for players already in the City squad who could carve out a role for themselves this season, Guardiola admitted the door was not closed for Joao Cancelo at the Etihad Stadium.
Sent on loan to Bayern Munich in January 2022, Cancelo returned to City last summer before securing another short-term move to Barcelona.
However, on the prospect of the Portuguese ace returning to the squad, Guardiola said: “He is training with us. We will see.” [on his future]Maybe he'll stay at Manchester City, maybe he'll go on loan, maybe.
“I don't know yet, he's training with us, he's doing very well in training, he loves playing football, he loves training.
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He added: “In training, we say hello, we chat and we train. That's it. As for what will happen, it depends on his agent and the club. And in the end, if he has to stay, we will treat him like all the other players we have treated since I have been here.”
Guardiola later confirmed that City had not received any offers for Cancelo.
It promises to be an eventful season for the Etihad Stadium side, both on and off the pitch.
Guardiola's current contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and rumours that the Catalan could leave are starting to intensify.
There is also the small matter of City's 115 unpaid Premier League fines. A decision on that matter is expected to be confirmed before the end of the 2024/25 season.
The city has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1936950/Pep-Guardiola-confirms-key-Man-City-star-ruled-out-of-opening-Chelsea-fixture