Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola says Rodri is still recovering from a “big injury” sustained during last month’s Club World Cup and is unlikely to feature heavily at the start of the Premier League season.
The 29-year-old midfielder, reported by British media to have suffered a groin problem, was hurt in City’s 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the round of 16.
It comes only months after his return in May from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for eight months.
Guardiola hopes Rodri can play limited minutes in the opening three league matches but stressed the priority is ensuring he returns pain-free.
The Spain international has trained with the squad in recent days and could be fully fit after September’s international break.
City, who finished third last season, open their campaign at Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16.
