Rodri unlikely to feature heavily in opening league games after ‘big injury’, says Pep Guardiola

LONDON – Midfielder Rodri is recovering from a "big injury" suffered during the Club World Cup, likely limiting the Ballon d'Or winner's playing time in the early stages of the new English Premier League season, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said.

He did not disclose the details of the injury but said the 29-year-old Spain international picked up the problem during their 4-3 loss against Saudi side Al-Hilal in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup in July.

British media, meanwhile, reported that Rodri has suffered a groin injury.

The Spaniard only made return to competitive action in May after eight months out of action due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

"Rodri is getting better but he had a big injury in the last game against Al-Hilal," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Saturday's friendly match against Italian side Palermo which kicked off after press time.

"He has trained better in the last few days. Hopefully after the international break (in September), he will be really fit. Hopefully in these (first three Premier League) games, he can play some minutes, but what is important is that he doesn't have pain because we don't want Rodri coming back injured. We will try desperately to avoid that.

"He has been training the last two sessions with us and that's good."

City, who finished third last season, begin their Premier League campaign away against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16.

Guardiola also said he hopes that Phil Foden will be in contention for the start of the season. The England forward has also stayed behind with Rodri as the team travelled to Palermo.

“Phil was doing really good but he had a problem with a knock on his ankle that’s why as a precaution we did it (leaving him out),” the City boss said.

Asked if the duo would be available for the Wolves game, Guardiola added: “90 minutes for Rodri I don’t think so. Phil, hopefully, it depends on the problem so hopefully.”

And to add to his concerns, midfielder Mateo Kovacic missed the Club World Cup after having surgery on an Achilles injury. The Croatian is also not part of the travelling squad for the Palermo game and Guardiola is hoping to have him back as soon as possible.

With Rodri and Kovacic out, Nico O’Reilly, Ilkay Gundogan and Tijjani Reijnders are the ones who are likely to take up the defensive midfield role.

“We have three (midfielders) I would say with Kova injured until September or October – hopefully earlier,” Guardiola added.

“Rodri was out for six months and Nico. The other ones can play there but they are attacking midfielders, more that can play in the box. Gundo can play there, Tijji can play there but I think that when everybody is fit, they have the opportunity to play more up front.

“That is good this season, I saw the schedule in my office and I said after September its every three days, every three days so at the end we will need players.” REUTERS