Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed deep concern over the fitness of his midfield lynchpin, Rodri, after the Spaniard’s ongoing injury struggles continued to limit his game time. The City boss admitted that the 29-year-old, who suffered an ACL injury last year, is still far from being able to handle the physical demands of playing full matches multiple times a week.
Pep Guardiola’s honest admission on Rodri’s condition
Following City’s Champions League draw with Monaco, Guardiola defended his decision to substitute Rodri for Nico Gonzalez, explaining that the midfielder is not yet ready for sustained action. In his post-match comments, Guardiola stated:
"Rodri could not play three days before because his knee was in a bad, bad condition. So, that’s why... Rodri cannot play in certain moments, cannot play 90 minutes in many, many games."
This worrying update highlights the delicate balance Pep Guardiola must strike between using his most influential midfielder and managing his fitness to avoid long-term setbacks.
The struggles since Rodri’s injury
Rodri sustained a serious ACL injury against Arsenal over a year ago, only returning to first-team action in May. Since then, he has featured sparingly, starting just five times across competitions due to recurring fitness issues and minor knocks, including one picked up at the Club World Cup.
Guardiola acknowledged the importance of carefully managing the Spaniard’s workload, stressing that rushing him back could worsen the situation. He pointed to examples elsewhere in football, noting how repeated injuries have sidelined other top players.
City’s midfield reliance
Rodri has long been regarded as a pivotal figure in Manchester City’s midfield, dictating play with his composure, physical presence, and tactical intelligence. Pep Guardiola himself admitted that Rodri is “irreplaceable in many things,” but emphasized that protecting him remains a priority for both the player’s career and the club’s ambitions.
The Catalan coach explained:
"I try to protect my players. Because look at what happened to Carvajal at [Real] Madrid, look what happens to players with many injuries, he’s injured again and again. So, sometimes I want the best players there, being fit, but they are still not. That’s why I have to protect the players."
With Manchester City competing on multiple fronts, Pep Guardiola faces a tough challenge in managing Rodri’s recovery while still maintaining balance in midfield. As the season progresses, keeping the Spaniard fit for crucial fixtures could prove decisive in City’s bid for domestic and European success.