Champions Manchester City opened their Premier League season with a 3-0 win at Burnley, but were dealt a blow by the early injury to captain Kevin de Bruyne.
The Belgian playmaker limped off after just 15 minutes with a recurrence of the hamstring injury that forced him off in the Champions League final two months ago.
De Bruyne’s absence was a blow to City, but they were able to overcome it thanks to a double from Erling Haaland and a late goal from Rodri.
Haaland opened the scoring after just four minutes with a clinical finish and doubled City’s lead in the 36th minute with a superb strike into the top corner.
Rodri added a third in stoppage time to seal the victory, but City will be concerned by the De Bruyne injury.
The 32-year-old is a key player for City and his absence will be a major loss.
Guardiola said he was “surprised” by the injury and that he would need to assess De Bruyne’s condition.
“He was feeling really good and playing really good in the first minutes,” Guardiola said. “But unfortunately, he is injured again. Maybe (he shouldn’t have started), but what happens in the first 15 minutes could also have come in the 50th, 65th or 70th.”
Despite the injury, City were still able to get the job done against Burnley.
Haaland was in fine form, and his two goals were a reminder of his quality.
The Norwegian striker will be a major threat to Premier League defences this season.
Rodri’s goal was also important, as it gave City a comfortable cushion in the closing stages.
City will be pleased with their start to the season, but they will need to be at their best if they are to retain their title.
The injury to De Bruyne is a blow, but Guardiola has a strong squad and he will be confident of overcoming it.
