Bobb out for Manchester City for up to four months with broken leg

MANCHESTER, England : Manchester City will kick off their quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title on Sunday without Oscar Bobb, who could miss up to four months after breaking his leg in training, and Rodri, who is recovering from an injury sustained at Euro 2024.

City open their season against Chelsea and, with key Euro players rejoining the squad only this week, manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the squad might not be at full strength.

"We have to (be ready), we have to," Guardiola told reporters on Friday. "I don't know what's going to happen. Everybody knows we are not in the best condition but it doesn't matter, we have a desire to do well. I think 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 were in. The players that are here will have to do their best."

Guardiola said he was very sad for Norwegian forward Bobb, who is expected to be out for three or four months after undergoing surgery for a leg fracture.

Rodri was injured just before halftime of Spain's Euro 2024 clash with England in the final.

"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," Guardiola said, then added: "No chance (that he will play on Sunday)."

Rodri, plus England's Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden returned to training only at the start of the week after their 2023-24 season stretched through to the Euro final on July 14.

"We prioritise the rest," Guardiola said. "I would love to give more time but it is what it is. I demand the best on Sunday against Chelsea. When the players are fitter