Man City star set to miss start of Premier League season as Pep Guardiola plans rocked

Manchester City are likely to be without Julian Alvarez for the start of their Premier League campaign after he was confirmed in Argentina's squad for the Olympics.

Alvarez, 24, will be one of three overage players in Javier Mascherano's group in Paris as the World Cup and Treble winner looks to add another medal to his collection. The City forward asked to be included for selection at the end of his involvement in the Copa America, and the Blues did not stand in his way; Pep Guardiola allowed a young Lionel Messi to go and win gold when he was in charge of Barcelona.

Another opportunity for Alvarez at international level means City are likely to be without him for the first few weeks of the season. With the Copa America finishing on July 14, football at the Olympics runs up to August 9 - the day before City take on United in the Community Shield and a week before they face Chelsea in the Premier League.

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FIFPro recommends that all players have three weeks off over the summer between seasons, and Guardiola and the City medical team like to give their stars longer if possible knowing the schedule they are likely to face. The Blues already know that they will take part in expanded versions of the Champions League and Club World Cup over the next 12 months.

Unless Alvarez foregoes medical advice and doesn't take any rest, Guardiola will have to plan without him for the opening weeks of the season. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has also been named in the Argentina squad, although United playmaker Alejandro Garnacho has not.