Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, has provided a worrying update on the return of key midfielder Rodri, stating he is unable to put a timeline on when the Spaniard will be back in action. The news comes as a blow to the Cityzens, who rely heavily on Rodri's presence in midfield to control games and provide defensive stability.
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, last featured for Manchester City as a late substitute in their match against Bournemouth at the beginning of November. He has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since then. This isn't the first time Rodri's fitness has been a concern this season. He suffered a devastating ACL injury in September 2024, which prevented him from participating in the Premier League title defense.
Guardiola addressed the media ahead of City's recent Premier League clash, confirming Rodri would not be available for selection. When asked about a potential return date, Guardiola simply stated "Not yet [ready]" and "I don't know [if he will be fit for the weekend]". He had previously said Rodri was "not far" from returning. However, the manager also emphasized the need to be cautious and ensure Rodri is fully recovered, both mentally and physically, to avoid any further setbacks. The club is aware of the need to handle Rodri with care.
Rodri's absence has been felt by Manchester City. The team's performance suffered when he was out injured last season. His ability to break up play, dictate tempo, and provide a shield for the defense is crucial to Guardiola's tactical system. City have already experienced a mini slump recently, suffering back-to-back defeats in all competitions.
Adding to City's injury woes, Mateo Kovacic is also sidelined with an ankle/heel problem. Guardiola stated City will wait on Kovacic for the last part of the season, who is yet to start a game this season. Kalvin Phillips remains an absentee with "some niggles in his leg".
Despite the injury concerns, Manchester City managed to halt their losing streak with a 3-2 victory over Leeds United. However, they will need Rodri back in the team as soon as possible to maintain their title challenge and compete on all fronts. The lack of a definitive timeline for his return will undoubtedly cause concern among fans and raise questions about City's ability to cope without their midfield linchpin.
