Pep Guardiola in the hope that Rodri will be fit for Manchester City after September International Break

Midfielder Rodri is recovering from a «big injury» during the club World Cup, so that the playing time of Ballon d’Or in the early stages of the new Premier League season is probably limited, said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola did not disclose the details of the injury, but said that the 29-year-old Spain International had picked up the problem during his 4-3 loss against Saudi side Al-Hilal in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup in July.

British media reported that Rodri has sustained a groin injury.

Rodri only made back to competitive action in May after eight months out of operation due to a torn front cruciate ligament.

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«Rodri gets better, but he had a big injury in the last match against Al-Hilal,» Guardiola told reporters prior to the friendly game on Saturday against the Italian side Palermo.

“He has trained better in recent days. Hopefully he will be really fit after the international break (in September).

“Hopefully he can play a few minutes in these (first three Premier League) matches, but what is important is that he is not in pain because we do not want Rodri to come back injured. We will desperately try to avoid that.

«He trained the last two sessions with us and that’s good.»

City, who finished third last season, starts his Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16.