Phil Foden, Rodri, Kyle Walker, and John Stones – who all played in the Euros final – have not yet returned to training and are almost certain to miss the game as they take their time to build back up for the new season. Guardiola has told them it is more important to return when they feel hungry again rather than come back specifically for the Community Shield.Julian Alvarez will also be absent given his exploits with Argentina at the Copa America and Olympics, although he may not be a City player by Saturday. Atletico Madrid agreed terms on a deal that could reach £82m and a move is expected to be completed.
Then there are eight first-team players who only returned to training this week; Savinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Ake, Manu Akanji, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes and Jeremy Doku have only just arrived back in Manchester. All will have had just a few sessions with the rest of the squad before travelling down to Wembley on Friday for the game, making it unlikely they are back to anywhere near full fitness.
That could leave Guardiola with just four players who started the FA Cup Final – Stefan Ortega, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, and Erling Haaland. In addition, he will look to call on Jack Grealish and Oscar Bobb after their involvement on the summer tour while Rico Lewis and James McAtee could also be in line for starts.
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