Manchester City could start the Community Shield with just four players that started the FA Cup last season.
United’s victory back in May has brought a rematch for the start of the 2024/25 campaign after another Premier League title for City, but Pep Guardiola’s team at least could look very different.
Extended rests given to players following their involvement at the European Championship means that the Blues will be far from full strength for the fixture.
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 about £82 million and a move is expected to be completed soon.
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 today for the game, making it unlikely they are back to anywhere near full fitness.
