Man City injury update: Rodri out but Haaland fit for Arsenal clash

Manchester City will be without Rodri for Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal, but Enzo Maresca has eased concerns over Erling Haaland's fitness.

City travel to Cardiff for the traditional curtain-raiser as FA Cup winners, with Premier League champions Arsenal providing the opposition at the Principality Stadium.

The fixture will be Maresca's first competitive match as Manchester City head coach following Pep Guardiola's departure at the end of last season.

Rodri will not be ready to feature after only returning to Manchester City on Friday following an extended break.

The midfielder underwent minor back surgery after helping Spain win the World Cup and is being gradually brought back into action.

Maresca made clear that City will not rush the 30-year-old's recovery.

"When he's ready to start training sessions, he will, and this is his programme."

Rodri's late return means Sunday's match comes too soon, leaving Maresca without one of his most influential midfielders for his competitive debut.

The Italian has also had limited preparation time with several members of his squad because of their staggered returns following the World Cup.

There is considerably better news surrounding Haaland.

The striker did not complete the final part of Thursday's open training session, creating some concern over his availability against Arsenal.

Maresca, however, played down the issue and indicated the Norwegian should be available.

"He was ok, he had just a small thing behind ears, but he was ok."

Haaland is therefore expected to be fit for Sunday's game, giving City a major boost as they attempt to begin the Maresca era with a trophy.

Maresca also provided a positive update on the rest of his squad.

Ryan McAidoo has been recovering from a minor issue suffered during pre-season, but he is already back working with the first team.

"The only one is Ryan McAidoo because as you know in pre-season he had a small problem but he is already working with us, so everyone is fit."

The bigger issue for City may therefore be match sharpness rather than injuries, with several players having returned to the club only in the last few days.

That gives Maresca an important selection decision ahead of facing Arsenal, particularly when deciding how heavily to rely on players with limited preparation.

Manchester City will complete their final preparations before travelling to Cardiff to face Arsenal on Sunday. Maresca must decide how many of his late-returning players are ready to start, with Rodri unavailable but Haaland expected to lead the attack.

The Community Shield will provide the first competitive indication of how City are adapting to life under Maresca as they look to begin their new era by lifting another trophy.