Players returning from major tournaments often miss the traditional season curtain-raiser. Minor surgery following international success can delay a full return to training. Speculation around high-profile midfielders intensifies when they are absent from open sessions.
Clubs undergoing significant change after a managerial departure face uncertainty over key figures. Sales of recent signings help balance the books and fund further recruitment. Deadline pressures from selling clubs accelerate decisions in the final weeks of the window.
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Rodri is set to miss Manchester City’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal on Sunday after missing training on Thursday. The Spain international was always likely to be absent following an extended post-World Cup break and minor surgery that was expected to delay his start to the season.
City manager Enzo Maresca had confirmed last week that Rodri was due back on Friday. “Yes, at the moment he will be in Manchester,” Maresca said after a pre-season friendly. “There is no update. On August 14 he will be back.” The midfielder has been linked with a move to Barcelona, who have already had a second bid rejected, and has previously spoken of a desire to return to La Liga.
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In a separate development, Tijjani Reijnders has agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah in a deal worth around £52.1million. The Netherlands international was also absent from City’s open training session amid the talks. He only signed for City from AC Milan last summer. Nottingham Forest had been interested, but the Saudi club have won the race.
The funds from Reijnders’ departure could help City finance a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The Blues have set a 5pm BST deadline on Friday for interested clubs to meet their £120million valuation.
Arsenal face City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday as the traditional curtain-raiser to the new Premier League season. Supporters will note the absences in the City ranks while focusing on their own preparations under Mikel Arteta. Further updates on Rodri’s future and City’s midfield plans are expected in the coming days.