Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb faces a spell on the sidelines after fracturing a leg in training.
City are looking at the possibility of sending the 21-year-old Norwegian international to Barcelona to be examined by renowned specialist Dr Ramon Cugat. But the initial hope inside the Etihad is that the injury is not as serious as first feared.
Bobb was outstanding as City beat Manchester United in the Community Shield on penalties on Saturday, setting up Bernardo Silva's last-gasp equaliser with a mesmeric flash of skill.
City granted Julian Alvarez his wish to join Atletico Madrid in a deal that will eventually bank the club £82million because Guardiola feels Bobb can have a big influence on his team.
Bobb joined City from Norwegian club Lyn in 2019 and came through the academy ranks before making his Premier League debut against Fulham in February 2023. He signed a new five-year contract in February.
City may now be forced into the transfer market for reinforcements. They kick-off the new season with a trip to Chelsea on Sunday.
The injury comes just days after Guardiola heaped praise on Bobb following his performance at Wembley. Asked if he and academy graduate James McAtee were up to the level needed to make an impact this season, he said: "They have the standards that we have."
On Bobb specifically, he added: "We want more. Sometimes he had the chance to take the ball and go and he was a little bit passive.
"He has something unique; be stopped then go, first one or two steps, right or left are unbelievable. The goal, how he turns and make the cross, huge quality. He has incredible values and work ethic. He has the ability to do it and he can do it more regularly."
