Manchester City’s midfield anchor Rodri is set to remain sidelined for at least two more games, as Pep Guardiola provided a fresh update that will concern the club’s supporters. The Spanish international, who has already endured a long road back from a major knee injury, is once again battling fitness issues that threaten to derail his momentum this season.
Recurring fitness concerns for the midfield maestro
After suffering a devastating ACL injury in September 2024, Rodri missed a significant portion of Manchester City’s previous campaign — a season that ultimately saw Liverpool snatch the Premier League title away from the Etihad. Although the midfielder made a strong return earlier this year, his recovery has been hindered by recurring muscular problems.
The latest setback occurred during City’s clash with Brentford, where the 29-year-old was forced off the pitch inside the opening 20 minutes.
Pep Guardiola later confirmed that the issue was muscular in nature, saying, “It’s muscular. Of course, I don't want to lose him [at all] because he is such an important player. We tried to take care of him, but it is what it is.”
Pep Guardiola adopts cautious approach
The Spaniard’s injury woes continued to mount as he also missed the October international break, using the time to rest and recover. Despite optimism around a swift return, Rodri was absent from City’s 2-0 win over Everton — a match in which Erling Haaland netted twice to secure victory.
Guardiola has made it clear that the club will not rush Rodri’s recovery, emphasizing the importance of a gradual return.
Speaking about his availability for the upcoming fixtures, the City boss said, “I don’t think so. Aston Villa, I don’t think so either. It’s not long, but it’s muscular. We have to be careful. We tried many times to prevent another injury, but we have not been able to do that, so we will see.”
As a result, Rodri is expected to miss City’s Champions League tie against Villarreal on Tuesday and their Premier League encounter with Aston Villa next Sunday.
Rodri’s own take on his recovery
Despite the setback, Rodri himself remains relatively positive about his condition. Speaking to Sky Sports, he explained,
“I felt a little bit in the hamstring - but it seems as though it's not that much. I stretched a bit, like in the final of the Euros [when he had to go off injured]. But the most important thing is it's not that big.”
Pep Guardiola, however, continues to stress patience, reminding fans that full recovery from such injuries can take well over a year.
“Rodri has been and is an outstanding player. Everybody knows it,” he said. “But I said to Rodri, and maybe he struggled to understand: it’s not about six months or seven months (after the injury). ‘Ah, (after) eight months I’ll play and be the Rodri of before’. No. Rodri will be good at the World Cup with Spain. In the World Cup, it will be the best Rodri, and next season will be the best Rodri.”
City push on without their key man
Although Rodri’s absence remains a major blow, Manchester City have continued to show resilience, maintaining an eight-match unbeaten streak and climbing to second place in the Premier League — just three points behind leaders Arsenal. Yet, Pep Guardiola and the squad know that their midfield linchpin’s full return will be crucial for sustaining their title ambitions and navigating the congested fixture list ahead.