Man City in crisis! Phil Foden & Mateo Kovacic suffer worrying injuries following Rodri setback as Pep Guardiola reveals new midfield plan

Manchester City will begin the season without two of their key midfielders in Foden and Kovacic, with Rodri also missing the first three league games due to a groin injury. Kovacic’s absence, originally expected to be brief, is now likely to stretch into October. Foden has also suffered a knock, leaving Guardiola short of senior midfield options. The Catalan tactician has now revealed his midfield plans for the start of the season.

Speaking to the media about his options for the No. 6 position, Guardiola said: “We have three. Kova is injured until September or October, Rodri is coming back after six months and [we have] Nico [Gonzalez]. The others can play there but are more attacking, they like to be in the opposition’s box. Gundogan can play there and Tijji [Reinders] can play there but when everybody is fit their position is more up front.”

Kovacic’s absence is particularly damaging as he would have been the ideal stopgap for Rodri’s absence. Nico Gonzalez, once dubbed “mini-Rodri” by Guardiola, could now get a chance to re-establish himself after falling out of favour at the end of last season. The situation may also push Guardiola to experiment with Gundogan or Reijnders in a deeper role.

Guardiola's side will face Wolverhampton, Tottenham, and Brighton without Rodri and Kovacic, meaning their midfield structure will be under the spotlight from day one. Gonzalez is likely to start in the No.6 position, with others filling in if needed. Guardiola will be hoping his key men return quickly to avoid the crisis deepening further.