Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to miss the beginning of the new Premier League season after suffering a serious groin injury.

The 29-year-old Spaniard picked up the problem during City’s defeat to Al Hilal in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States.

City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed the extent of the injury in a recent interview, telling reporters:

"Rodri is feeling better, but he suffered a serious injury in the match against Al Hilal," Guardiola said. "He’s been training a bit more comfortably in recent days, and hopefully, he’ll be back after the international break."

This latest setback is a worrying development for City fans, especially given that Rodri also missed a significant portion of last season following a cruciate ligament rupture in September — an injury that kept him sidelined for months.