Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said the world most expensive defender, Benjamin Mendy will be missing in action for “two or three weeks” after Manchester City beat Real Madrid 4-1 in Los Angeles.
Mendy, who joined from Monaco for £52m was not involved and will miss the start of the season with a muscle problem.
“We don’t want to take a risk because he is so explosive,” said Guardiola.
A crowd of 93,000 witnessed City earn their first win of pre-season with goals by Nicolas Otamendi, Raheem Sterling, John Stones and 17-year-old Brahim Diaz.
In Mendy’s absence, Danilo made his debut at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the 26-year-old Brazilian starting at left-back against his former club, having signed for £26.5m.
“Today we saw how good he can play,” Guardiola said. “He is a competitor. Him and Kyle helped organise our back four. They communicated with each other. We are very pleased about that side.”
City have spent in excess of £200m this summer – England international Kyle Walker (£45m), Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva (£43m) and Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson Moraes (£35m) joining French full-back Mendy (£52m) and Brazilian Danilo in Guardiola’s ranks.
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