Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb is set for up to four months on the sidelines, Pep Guardiola has revealed.
Bobb, who impressed during City’s pre-season tour of the United States and played nearly the whole match in his side’s shoot-out win over Manchester United in the Community Shield last weekend, fractured a bone in his leg during training on Wednesday and Man City boss Guardiola has also said the 21-year-old will undergo surgery.
Guardiola said: “It was in the training session. Unfortunately had a big impact. I think it will be surgery this afternoon and hopefully he is going to be well and back as soon as possible in three, four months,” the boss revealed.
“We are so sad for him, but not because he made an amazing pre-season, it doesn’t matter about that.
“When the injury is long-term it is a problem. We are looking forward to seeing him again as soon as possible. Good recovery and that’s all.”
Guardiola unsure if City will replace Alvarez and Bobb
Manchester City are assessing their options in the transfer market following the injury suffered by Bobb.
City were already considering entering the market after selling Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and Bobb’s injury has given them an extra incentive to do so.
The champions are understood to be looking at a forward and central midfielder in the final two weeks of the window.
Alvarez’s exit means there is no natural back-up for Erling Haaland, while Kalvin Phillips’ move to Ipswich only increases City’s dependency on Rodri.
However, no final decision has been made on whether they will make a move for any player with Guardiola unsure if City will replace Alvarez and Bobb
When asked whether City will enter the market for new players, Guardiola said: “Maybe or maybe not, we will see. “I’m really pleased with the squad I have, we will see. I’m set.
“We will see what happens in the market. We can continue to January in that way or maybe we will add some players.”
Guardiola: Rodri out for Chelsea clash
Man City get their campaign under way on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
City are bidding to make it five straight top-flight titles and while England trio Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker could feature, City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed Rodri will not be ready.
“No chance,” Guardiola said when asked about Rodri’s availability for Sunday’s clash.
“I didn’t see him yet. He feels good. We’ll see when he starts to move how he feels.”
When pressed on whether the likes of England internationals Stones, Walker and Foden, who returned late for pre-season, will face Chelsea, he added: “I don’t know. They have had just two or three training sessions.
“They arrived fit, in good shape. On Sunday, you will see the line-up.
“I’m pretty sure they won’t be ready for 90 minutes, maybe yes, maybe 15 minutes.
“The important thing is everybody is back and except for Oscar (Bobb) the rest are OK.”