Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola ruled Rodri out of his side’s next two matches but predicted that fans would not have to wait too long to see the talismanic midfielder reappear.
Rodri’s fitness has been an uncomfortable topic of conversation at the Etihad ever since he crumpled to the turf clutching his knee against Arsenal in September 2024. More than a year on and the consequences of that ACL tear are still very much being felt—by Rodri and his teammates.
The defensive pillar was forced off in the first half of Manchester City’s trip to Brentford at the start of October clutching his hamstring. Rodri predicted that he would be back after the international break but he failed to make the bench against Everton on Saturday afternoon.
Guardiola offered a bit more insight into when his most trusted on-pitch general would be available again. “I don't think so for Villarreal—or Aston Villa,” the Catalan coach mused. “It’s not long, but it’s muscular and you have to be careful.
“We’ve tried so many times, we’ve tried to not take a risk, but we have not been able to [manage] that. So we will see.”
