Manchester City are due to begin work in Manchester on 20 July, before travelling to Asia for three friendlies across the first nine days of August. The timing makes a full preseason with the senior squad unlikely.
FIFPro recommends four weeks of summer rest, which is also the gap between the World Cup final and the Community Shield. The report says the six players are therefore likely to miss the opening phase of preparation rather than return immediately after the tournament.
The absentees include Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Marc Guehi, Rayan Cherki and James Trafford. O’Reilly became an important player after a sharp increase in workload last season, while Anderson’s playing time rose by more than half. Their absence is not simply a numbers issue; it removes players Maresca may have expected to use heavily.
The situation is more difficult because Rodri is expected to undergo surgery after the World Cup, with the operation still pending. Anderson has been viewed as an option to cover the defensive midfield role, but both players could be unavailable at the same time.
The departure of Bernardo Silva also leaves Maresca with fewer established solutions in midfield. The manager may need to alter his approach, promote less experienced options or manage the returning players carefully rather than demand immediate intensity.
The Community Shield will offer an early indication of how effectively City can bridge the gap between tournament disruption and competitive football. It may also reveal whether the club needs another midfield option before the transfer window closes.
The next storyline is Maresca’s response: whether he can build a functional side without his World Cup players, or whether City’s summer workload forces a cautious start.