MAN CITY SET TO BE WITHOUT STAR PLAYER FOR START OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON AS PEP GUARDIOLA'S PLANS TAKE A HIT
- One Man City player could be on international duty until August 9
- City face rivals Man United in the Community Shield on August 10
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Pep Guardiola's plans for the new season have been dealt a blow with the news that one of their stars is likely to be unavailable for the start of the campaign.
City will kick off their season with a tough test away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 18, one week after facing rivals Man United in the Community Shield final.
And it looks as if Julian Alvarez will not be involved after the forward was included in Argentina's squad for the Olympics.
The 24-year-old will be one of the three overage players in coach Javier Mascherano's group in Paris.
The player asked to be included despite taking part in the Copa America this summer and City did not oppose him.
The Copa America ends on July 14 with football at the Olympics running up to August 9 - one day before the Community Shield.
FIFPro recommends that all players have a three-week break over the summer between seasons.
City know they have a long and arduous campaign ahead of them with their involvement in expanded versions of the Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Alvarez will almost certainly be granted time to rest and therefore join his team-mates after the season begins.
After the Community Shield and Chelsea opener, City host Ipswich on August 24 and visit West Ham on August 31.
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