Our midfield will be in a bit of a state of flux at the start of the season - no Gundo or KdB - so I am pretty certain that Pep will want Rodri to play and provide some solidity in most games. Getting Kovacic up to speed will also be a priority so I am not expecting K-P to start games in the league or Europe.
The best thing he could do is get himself into absolutely top shape the way Stephen Ireland did before his outstanding season in 2008 (iirc).
Yeah that's a good shout re Ireland.