Rodri, Manchester City's midfield linchpin, will miss the team's Premier League opener against Chelsea on Sunday, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
Rodri played a crucial role in City's success last season, with the team remaining unbeaten in league matches where he featured.
However, his participation in Euro 2024 with Spain has left him short of preparation time, and Guardiola revealed in his pre-match press conference that Rodri has yet to participate in any training sessions with the team.
"He had zero training sessions with us; he's not ready," Guardiola stated, emphasizing Rodri's lack of preparation. Rodri's involvement in Euro 2024, where Spain reached the quarterfinals, meant he only recently returned to Manchester, leaving him insufficient time to regain match fitness.
This news comes as a blow to City, given Rodri's importance to the team's midfield. The Spanish midfielder's ability to control the tempo of the game and provide defensive cover for the backline will be sorely missed.
Meanwhile, Guardiola provided a positive update on players like Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden, who also participated in Euro 2024. Despite their limited training sessions, Guardiola believes they are fit enough to participate in Sunday's match.
"They arrived fit, in good shape. Today, in the professional world, the players take care of themselves even on holidays," Guardiola explained, highlighting the players' dedication to maintaining their physical condition. This level of fitness will be crucial as City faces a strong Chelsea team at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, marking the beginning of both teams' Premier League campaigns.
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