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Manchester City has been handed a significant injury setback with midfielder Rodri experiencing complications in his recovery from a knee problem, as Pep Guardiola's players prepare to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title.

The absence of the Spain international was identified as a crucial factor behind City losing its grip on the Premier League crown last season.

Liverpool is scheduled to travel to the Etihad Stadium at the start of November, marking the final fixture in the Reds' initial meetings with the Premier League's traditional big six.



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Arne Slot's players will kick off their title defence next Friday against Bournemouth, but prior to that showdown against City, Liverpool will take on Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United during the campaign's early stages.

Liverpool is the bookmakers' favorite to successfully defend its championship, something it was unable to achieve five years ago when defensive injuries hampered its efforts under Jurgen Klopp.

City, meanwhile, will be eager to respond.



Rodri is battling to be fully fit again after a serious knee injury

However, Guardiola's players will be compelled to start the new season, which begins against Wolves, without their Ballon d'Or-winning playmaker.

"Rodri is getting better but he had a big injury in the last game against Al Hilal," said Guardiola.

"He has trained better in the last few days, hopefully after the international break is when he will be really fit.

"Hopefully in these games he can play some minutes but what is important is he doesn't have pain because we don't want this Rodri coming back injured.

"We try desperately to avoid that

He has been training the last two sessions with us and that's good."

Speaking after winning the Ballon d'Or last year, Rodri said: "A very special day for me, my family and my country.

"Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football, for so many players who have not won it and have deserved it, like [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi [Hernandez], Iker [Casillas], Sergio Busquets, so many others.

"It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder."


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