The exciting young Norwegian attacking midfielder was injured earlier this week and has already flown to Barcelona where he was set to undergo surgery later today.
It’s wretched luck on the 21-year-old who had enjoyed a superb pre-season and was looking to build on what was an excellent breakout season with City’s first team last term.
Addressing the media at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener away at Chelsea, Guardiola said he was wishing the youngster a speedy and successful recovery.
“It was in the training session and unfortunately he had a big impact and is injured,” the boss said.
“He will have surgery and hopefully he will be well and we welcome him back as soon as possible in three, four months.
“We are so sad for him, but not because he was making an incredible pre-season, because that doesn’t matter, when [the] injury is a long time it is a problem and we’re looking forward to seeing him again as soon as possible.
“A good recovery as quick as possible and that’s all.”
Expanding on City’s squad availability for the trip to Stamford Bridge, Guardiola said that England trio Phil Foden, John Stones, Kyle Walker, who all returned to training this week, could be in contention for selection on Sunday.
But he added that Rodrigo, who also returned this week after being injured in the Euro 2024 final for Spain, was not expected to figure this weekend.
“I don’t know. Just two, three training sessions. They arrived fit. In professional world the players take care even in the holidays.
“So we’ll see. Today, tomorrow and Sunday we will see the lineup. But I’m pretty sure they are ready maybe not for 90 minutes, maybe yes maybe for a few minutes.
“Important that everyone is back except Oscar the rest are are okay.
“[On Rodrgio] I don’t know, I didn’t see him yet. We have to start training, we will see when he moves, his body and how he feels.
[On being in the squad]? “No chance.”
The visit to Chelsea will see Guardiola lock managerial horns with his former City Enzo Maresca, who took charge at the London club earlier this summer.
Maresca spent a hugely successful season in charge of City’s Elite Development Squad in the 2020/21 campaign, guiding our Under-21s to a first-ever Premier League 2 title success.
After a brief spell in charge of Parma, the Italian then returned to City as part of Guardiola’s coaching team ahead of the 2022/23 Treble winning season.
He then left to take the reins at Leicester, guiding the Foxes to promotion out of the Championship last season before then moving to Chelsea and the City boss is in no doubt he will be a success if given time.
“Yeah, we are happy to see him again. I saw him a few weeks ago in the States and we are looking forward to seeing him again,” the City boss continued.
“The job Enzo did at Leicester belongs to him, his players and backroom staff.
“My advice is to give him time and it will work. All managers need time – that is my feeling.”
Chelsea v City
The start of a new Premier League season is always a special moment, and our official app will have dedicated and detailed coverage from the capital.
You can keep across the Chelsea clash via our Matchday Centre which provides blow-by-blow updates, analysis and reaction before, during and after the clash.
Starting around 75 minutes before kick-off, Cel Spellman will host Matchday Live alongside guests Richard Dunne and Clive Allen, meanwhile FG will be with Michael Brown provide insight from Stamford Bridge.
Those with push notifications turned on in the app will be alerted to key moments throughout the game as they happen.
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Alistair Mann and Brown will be on hand throughout the afternoon to guide fans through proceedings with live audio commentary while our text commentary continues.
A detailed match report, as well as reaction from Pep Guardiola and players alike, can also be accessed soon after the final whistle.
Short highlights will then be published at 20:15 (UK) before extended and a CITY+ full-match replay can be accessed at midnight.
