Manchester City will kick off their quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title on Sunday without Oscar Bobb, who could miss up to four months after breaking his leg in training, and Rodri, who is recovering from an injury sustained at Euro 2024.
City open their season against Chelsea and, with key Euro players rejoining the squad only this week, manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the squad might not be at full strength.
"We have to (be ready), we have to," Guardiola told reporters on Friday. "I don't know what's going to happen. Everybody knows we are not in the best condition but it doesn't matter, we have a desire to do well. I think there are a lot of teams right now that aren't perfect.
"What I have learned is that the season is so long. You have to be ready physically and mentally. For that, you need rest. We try to do our best in the condition we were in. The players that are here will have to do their best."
PEP 💬 [On Oscar Bobb's injury] It was in the training session. Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured. He is having surgery this afternoon. Hopefully, it will go well and he will be back in 3/4 months. We are so sad for him - not because of his incredible pre-season,… pic.twitter.com/ooVdigXuVG
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 16, 2024
Guardiola said he was very sad for Norwegian forward Bobb, who is expected to be out for three or four months after undergoing surgery for a leg fracture.
Rodri was injured just before halftime of Spain's Euro 2024 clash with England in the final.
"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," Guardiola said, then added: "No chance (that he will play on Sunday)."
Rodri, plus England's Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden returned to training only at the start of the week after their 2023-24 season stretched through to the Euro final on July 14.
"We prioritise the rest," Guardiola said. "I would love to give more time but it is what it is. I demand the best on Sunday against Chelsea. When the players are fitter and better, they have to be better."
The manager wished England international Kalvin Phillips well in his move to newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town on a season-long loan that is all but settled.
The defensive midfielder started just six games for City after arriving from Leeds two years and then joined West Ham on loan in January but played only 10 games there before returning to City.
"You have to have minutes – play, play, play," Guardiola said. "Maybe there is a chance (for Phillips) to come back here in the future."