Rodri out, Cancelo ‘training’ – Guardiola

Manchester City midfielder Rodri will not make his first appearance since the Uefa Euro 2024 final when Manchester City start their Premier League title defence at Chelsea on Sunday, Cityzens manager Pep Guardiola has said.

The influential 28-year-old was substituted at half-time during Spain’s 2-1 win over England on July 14 and is one of several international players who have not featured for City during pre-season.

“He is in training,” said Guardiola, adding that he was uncertain about Rodri’s condition and there was “no chance” of him playing at Stamford Bridge (4.30pm BST). “I haven’t seen him yet. He feels good. We’ll have to see how he feels after training.”

Rodri scored and provided an assist in City’s opening 3-0 win at Burnley last season and started 34 of their 38 top-flight matches in 2023-24.

⛔️🇦🇷 Pep Guardiola denies reports on Claudio Echeverri joining Man City earlier than planned after Bobb injury.

“No idea about that. I didn’t talk with Txiki about Claudio Echeverri”. pic.twitter.com/SSzy9SIpqg

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2024

Man City vs Chelsea: ‘Season is long’

City’s players who were involved at the finals, including the likes of England internationals Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden, returned to training at the start of this week.

“I would love to give more time but it is what it is,” said Guardiola. “I demand the best on Sunday against Chelsea. When the players are fitter and better, they have to be better.

“I don’t know what will happen. Everyone knows we aren’t in the best condition but we have a desire to do well. 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 are in. The players that are here will have to do their best.”

Oscar Bobb injury

Guardiola confirmed that…

Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/premier-league/chelsea-vs-man-city-team-news-rodri-cancelo-guardiola/

Author : Ben Miller

Publish date : 2024-08-16 12:29:37

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