In a blow to Manchester City ahead of their curtain-raiser against AFC Bournemouth, their World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri has been sidelined for a short period after undergoing surgery on his back, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday (Jul 28). On the other hand, in a boost to the team’s future, centre-back Josko Gvardiol signed a new five-year contract, joining the likes of Phil Foden and Abdukodir Khusanov in signing contract extensions.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who won the Player of the Tournament award in Spain’s title-winning run in North America, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zinedine-zidane-appointed-france-head-coach-replacing-didier-deschamps-1785242868552">‘The only job I wanted’: Zinedine Zidane takes over as France head coach</a> &nbsp;"Manchester City can confirm Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery," the Premier League club said in a statement. "The midfielder had been feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation." &nbsp;Rodri, who has one year left on his contract, has endured a series of fitness problems since suffering a serious knee injury almost two years ago. Speaking at a press conference last week, new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said he was "not worried" about Rodri’s situation. &nbsp;"He needs to recover, and then he will be back here with us," the Italian said before Rodri's operation.<h2>Gvardiol Pens New Five-Year Deal</h2>The club, however, received a massive boost with Gvardiol’s decision to extend his contract at Man City, the Premier League club said. The Croatia international, whose previous deal had two years left to run, is now committed until 2031, with the option of an additional 12 months. &nbsp;Gvardiol, the central defender who has made 122 appearances since arriving from RB Leipzig for £77 million ($102 million) in 2023, had also been linked (alongside Rodri) with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. &nbsp;"As soon as I knew City wanted to renew my contract, I felt straight away it was what I wanted," said the 24-year-old. "The City fans have been unbelievable with me from day one, and the club provide absolutely everything for players. It's the best club in the world to be at." &nbsp;Out of action for four months with a broken leg, Gvardiol returned to action in May this year and also featured in Croatia’s World Cup campaign. &nbsp;On his signing, City's director of football Hugo Viana said, "Josko is a player this club really believes in. He is young, an outstanding professional, and already one of the best defenders in the world."

Rodri undergoes successful back surgery ahead of Man City’s season opener, while defender Josko Gvardiol signs a new five-year contract extension until 2031.

In a blow to Manchester City ahead of their curtain-raiser against AFC Bournemouth, their World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri has been sidelined for a short period after undergoing surgery on his back, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday (Jul 28). On the other hand, in a boost to the team’s future, centre-back Josko Gvardiol signed a new five-year contract, joining the likes of Phil Foden and Abdukodir Khusanov in signing contract extensions. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who won the Player of the Tournament award in Spain’s title-winning run in North America, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer. Also read| ‘The only job I wanted’: Zinedine Zidane takes over as France head coach "Manchester City can confirm Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery," the Premier League club said in a statement. "The midfielder had been feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation." Rodri, who has one year left on his contract, has endured a series of fitness problems since suffering a serious knee injury almost two years ago. Speaking at a press conference last week, new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said he was "not worried" about Rodri’s situation. "He needs to recover, and then he will be back here with us," the Italian said before Rodri's operation. Gvardiol Pens New Five-Year Deal The club, however, received a massive boost with Gvardiol’s decision to extend his contract at Man City, the Premier League club said. The Croatia international, whose previous deal had two years left to run, is now committed until 2031, with the option of an additional 12 months. Gvardiol, the central defender who has made 122 appearances since arriving from RB Leipzig for £77 million ($102 million) in 2023, had also been linked (alongside Rodri) with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. "As soon as I knew City wanted to renew my contract, I felt straight away it was what I wanted," said the 24-year-old. "The City fans have been unbelievable with me from day one, and the club provide absolutely everything for players. It's the best club in the world to be at." Out of action for four months with a broken leg, Gvardiol returned to action in May this year and also featured in Croatia’s World Cup campaign. On his signing, City's director of football Hugo Viana said, "Josko is a player this club really believes in. He is young, an outstanding professional, and already one of the best defenders in the world."

Rodri undergoes successful back surgery ahead of Man City’s season opener, while defender Josko Gvardiol signs a new five-year contract extension until 2031.

Rodri out after back surgery as Gvardiol signs new five-year Man City contract

Another Day, another record for Erling Haaland. The Norwegian scored his 50th goal of the season in Manchester City's win over Fulham. He has now scored more goals than any English top-flight player in 92 years. Is Haaland the best player in the world right now?

A historic half-century for Erling Haaland

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-thrash-villa-with-sergio-agueros-record-breaking-hat-trick-273970">City's quest</a> for a third straight league title is realistically over after they fell 16 points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand on Guardiola's men. However, the bookmakers still believe City are the favourites to retain the League Cup and FA Cup and face Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League last 16 ties.

<img alt="Guardiola" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e5abf437-b11a-45b1-8adc-b420e12ce6a7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2817%29_8.jpg" /> 
[ Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"To finish second, there always has to be something inside of us all to move forward and improve," said Guardiola. "You cannot play good games in the knockout games if you are not running well in the Premier League.

"It's not one day, you are bad and then good. You have to maintain the level as high as possible." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-citys-title-bid-fades-after-stunning-loss-against-wolves-270681">City's quest for cup glory</a> will be aided by the return of Aymeric Laporte after five months out with a serious knee injury.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-guardiola-takes-dig-at-premier-league-says-thank-you-for-busy-festive-season-269649">Guardiola takes dig at Premier League, says 'thank you' for busy festive season</a>

The Frenchman has been badly missed at the heart of the City defence and he could make his return on Tuesday at Sheffield United. "Every day Aymeric is getting better," added Guardiola. "I have an idea for him but I have to think today and tonight and then we’ll see."

In contrast to City's disappointing league campaign, Sheffield United have massively overachieved on their return to the top flight. The Blades are seventh in the table and in the running to finish in the top four.

Guardiola is a big fan of United manager Chris Wilder with the use of overlapping centre-halves from his three-man defence catching the eye.&nbsp;"I'm incredibly impressed," said Guardiola. "If you can improve watching other games and other teams and other managers, then this is the one.

"I have never seen some of the movements that they are doing. There's a reason why they are in the position they are. "I admire how they play and how they are doing, with a high percentage of the same players from the Championship, League One and now in the Premier League. I like it."

City's quest for a third straight league title is realistically over after they fell 16 points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand on Guardiola's men.

City's quest for a third straight league title is realistically over after they fell 16 points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand on Guardiola's men. However, the bookmakers still believe City are the favourites to retain the League Cup and FA Cup and face Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League last 16 ties. [ Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "To finish second, there always has to be something inside of us all to move forward and improve," said Guardiola. "You cannot play good games in the knockout games if you are not running well in the Premier League. "It's not one day, you are bad and then good. You have to maintain the level as high as possible." City's quest for cup glory will be aided by the return of Aymeric Laporte after five months out with a serious knee injury. Also Read: Guardiola takes dig at Premier League, says 'thank you' for busy festive season The Frenchman has been badly missed at the heart of the City defence and he could make his return on Tuesday at Sheffield United. "Every day Aymeric is getting better," added Guardiola. "I have an idea for him but I have to think today and tonight and then we’ll see." In contrast to City's disappointing league campaign, Sheffield United have massively overachieved on their return to the top flight. The Blades are seventh in the table and in the running to finish in the top four. Guardiola is a big fan of United manager Chris Wilder with the use of overlapping centre-halves from his three-man defence catching the eye. "I'm incredibly impressed," said Guardiola. "If you can improve watching other games and other teams and other managers, then this is the one. "I have never seen some of the movements that they are doing. There's a reason why they are in the position they are. "I admire how they play and how they are doing, with a high percentage of the same players from the Championship, League One and now in the Premier League. I like it."

Guardiola says league form sets standard and will not prioritise cups

Pep Guardiola insists he still has to earn a new contract at Manchester City despite winning five major trophies in the past two seasons.

City are keen for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-denies-presence-of-break-clause-in-contract-with-manchester-city-268224">Guardiola </a>to commit to a deal beyond the current one that ends in 2021.

But, in the midst of a frustrating season that sees City trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by 14 points, the 48-year-old says there is no rush to agree an extension, partly because performance will be a factor in his future.

"I have one more year and always I have to deserve to extend my contract," Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

"Managers, we have to get results. At this club you have to win. In football, we spoke about this, the situation changed a lot, managers today, even in this country, they change a lot.

"In just four or five months, how many managers have been sacked? So that's why we have to be patient and do our job.

"We still have a lot of time. So we have patience, we have an incredible relationship with the board, with the people who decide, and we will take the decision that is best for the club.

"I think in football one-and-a-half years is a long time for the managers, a lot of time, so we have to see altogether how it works, how it's going on."

Guardiola spent four years as Barcelona boss and three years with Bayern Munich before joining City in 2016.

He will have been at the Etihad Stadium for five years if he finishes his current City deal.

Some pundits believe that will mark the end of his reign, but Guardiola disagrees.

'Perfect for both sides'&nbsp;

"I said many times how incredible, what a good time I have here, and I would like to stay as long as possible," Guardiola said.

"So that is my desire. But I will only be sure if it's the best for the club that they want me to stay longer.

"So it will be five years with one club, in this competition, this league, it has many years, so that's why it's important to be sure the decision is perfect for both sides.

"That's why there's no rush, it's not finishing in three or four months. The club is working perfectly in all departments, so it's not a problem, honestly."

City face Leicester on Saturday, looking for the win to close the gap on the second-placed visitors to one point.

Guardiola will be without his assistant Mikel Arteta following the Spaniard's decision to take charge at Arsenal on Friday.

Rodolfo Borrell will step up to be the temporary assistant for Guardiola, although he has also been linked with joining Arteta.

"Yes he'll step up. From now on he wants to stay with me. We've not had any approach for him. We'll continue like this until the summer," Guardiola said.

City winger Riyad Mahrez will be hoping for a starting spot against former club Leicester and has fond memories of his time with the Foxes after their title triumph in 2016.

"My first title with Leicester is one of the medals that means the most to me, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations which was for my country and so there is a lot of emotion," he said.

"But with Leicester it was an unbelievable achievement, and no one thought we were going to make it. What we achieved together was unbelievable and so that club means a lot to me.

"I am not surprised by them, they are a good team. They have good players and Jamie Vardy is scoring a lot of goals."

City came back to overhaul Liverpool in last season's title race and Mahrez added: "We know we are capable of doing that again."

Pep Guardiola insists he still has to earn a new contract at Manchester City despite winning five major trophies in the past two seasons. City are keen for Guardiola to commit to a deal beyond the current one that ends in 2021.

Pep Guardiola insists he still has to earn a new contract at Manchester City despite winning five major trophies in the past two seasons. City are keen for Guardiola to commit to a deal beyond the current one that ends in 2021. But, in the midst of a frustrating season that sees City trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by 14 points, the 48-year-old says there is no rush to agree an extension, partly because performance will be a factor in his future. "I have one more year and always I have to deserve to extend my contract," Guardiola told reporters on Friday. "Managers, we have to get results. At this club you have to win. In football, we spoke about this, the situation changed a lot, managers today, even in this country, they change a lot. "In just four or five months, how many managers have been sacked? So that's why we have to be patient and do our job. "We still have a lot of time. So we have patience, we have an incredible relationship with the board, with the people who decide, and we will take the decision that is best for the club. "I think in football one-and-a-half years is a long time for the managers, a lot of time, so we have to see altogether how it works, how it's going on." Guardiola spent four years as Barcelona boss and three years with Bayern Munich before joining City in 2016. He will have been at the Etihad Stadium for five years if he finishes his current City deal. Some pundits believe that will mark the end of his reign, but Guardiola disagrees. 'Perfect for both sides' "I said many times how incredible, what a good time I have here, and I would like to stay as long as possible," Guardiola said. "So that is my desire. But I will only be sure if it's the best for the club that they want me to stay longer. "So it will be five years with one club, in this competition, this league, it has many years, so that's why it's important to be sure the decision is perfect for both sides. "That's why there's no rush, it's not finishing in three or four months. The club is working perfectly in all departments, so it's not a problem, honestly." City face Leicester on Saturday, looking for the win to close the gap on the second-placed visitors to one point. Guardiola will be without his assistant Mikel Arteta following the Spaniard's decision to take charge at Arsenal on Friday. Rodolfo Borrell will step up to be the temporary assistant for Guardiola, although he has also been linked with joining Arteta. "Yes he'll step up. From now on he wants to stay with me. We've not had any approach for him. We'll continue like this until the summer," Guardiola said. City winger Riyad Mahrez will be hoping for a starting spot against former club Leicester and has fond memories of his time with the Foxes after their title triumph in 2016. "My first title with Leicester is one of the medals that means the most to me, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations which was for my country and so there is a lot of emotion," he said. "But with Leicester it was an unbelievable achievement, and no one thought we were going to make it. What we achieved together was unbelievable and so that club means a lot to me. "I am not surprised by them, they are a good team. They have good players and Jamie Vardy is scoring a lot of goals." City came back to overhaul Liverpool in last season's title race and Mahrez added: "We know we are capable of doing that again."

I have to earn new contract: Pep Guardiola