Man City is dealing with a big blow as Rodri is injured and will miss the game against Chelsea. Meanwhile, the team has made a surprise signing from West Ham. This comes as City prepares to defend their title, facing both player losses and new additions to the squad.
Rodri’s Injury Hits Man City Hard as They Prepare for Chelsea Clash
The key 28-year-old has just resumed training after being substituted at halftime during Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in last month’s Euro 2024 final.
Although England’s Phil Foden, John Stones, and Kyle Walker aim to play at Stamford Bridge following their post-Euros rest, Rodri has not yet been cleared to return.
When asked on Friday if Rodri might play against Chelsea, Guardiola told reporters, “No chance.”
“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.”
Rodri’s absence is a significant setback for City’s quest to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League title.
The City aims to start its title defense strongly in west London. Still, Guardiola acknowledged that fitness issues might hinder it during the opening weekend.
Foden, Stones, and Walker still need to match fit fully, having only resumed training midweek after their holidays.
“I’m pretty sure they won’t be ready for 90 minutes, maybe yes, maybe 15 minutes,” Guardiola said.
“The important thing is everybody is back, and except for Oscar (Bobb), the rest are OK.”
Bobb is scheduled for surgery on Friday to fix a fractured leg bone, which he sustained in a non-contact training ground incident on Wednesday.
Guardiola anticipates that the young Norway winger will be out for four months.
“Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured,” Guardiola said. “He is having surgery this afternoon.
“Hopefully, it will go well, and he will be back in three or four months. We are so sad for him.”
Bobb’s injury follows Argentina forward Julian Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid, and Guardiola mentioned that he might need to enter the transfer market to find replacements.
“Maybe or maybe not, we will see,” the Spaniard said. “I’m really pleased with the squad I have; we will see. I’m set.”
“We will see what happens in the market. We can continue to January in that way or maybe we will add some players.”
Man City’ strike deal’ to acquire West Ham star in unexpected summer transfer
Manchester City and West Ham United have reportedly finalized a deal for Divin Mubama to join the Premier League champions.
A product of the West Ham academy, Mubama debuted for the Hammers in November 2022 but departed the club when his contract ended this summer.
Although Mubama was a free agent, West Ham was still entitled to a compensation package, which has now been finalized, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 19-year-old is said to be heading to the Etihad Stadium after the two clubs agreed on a £1.2 million compensation package.
A medical appointment at City has been scheduled for Mubama, who is set to sign a long-term contract with the Blues.
City is reportedly optimistic about Mubama’s future and is said to have ‘intervened’ in negotiations he was having with several other clubs.
Ligue 1 side Lyon and Portuguese club Famalicao were among the clubs rumored to be interested, while EFL Championship team Sunderland had also previously been linked with him.
Although specifics about Mubama’s role at City have yet to be clarified, the London-born talent is anticipated not to be part of Pep Guardiola’s first team this season.
Instead, the teenager is expected to join City’s Elite Development Squad, with speculation about a possible loan move to another club next season.
This doesn’t mean City will be inactive during the rest of this season’s transfer window; the Premier League champions will still actively seek new additions.
Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener against Chelsea, Guardiola was asked about City’s potential transfer moves. He responded, “Maybe, or maybe not! We’ll see. I’m really pleased with the squad we have.”
“I know the vibe is, ‘We have to sign! We have to sign!’ We will see.”
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