Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is exercising caution with Rodri's return to the pitch, prioritizing the midfielder's long-term recovery over a hasty comeback. Rodri, who endured a difficult 2024-25 season plagued by a serious knee injury, has faced further setbacks this term, limiting him to just eight appearances in all competitions.
The Spanish international has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury during City's 1-0 victory against Brentford in early October. He last played as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth in early November and hasn't started a match since October 1st against Monaco. Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri will not be available for the upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland and is also doubtful for the Champions League trip to Real Madrid.
Guardiola emphasized the need for a cautious approach, stating that Rodri's recovery process is progressing well, with the player starting training sessions on the pitch. However, he stressed that rushing Rodri back could lead to further setbacks. "He's a bit more careful after what happened with the previous ones, when he stepped back. We have to be more cautious to make sure it is safe," Guardiola explained.
While Guardiola acknowledged his eagerness to have Rodri back in the squad, he reiterated that the priority is to ensure the midfielder is fully fit for the remainder of the season and beyond. "I want desperately for him to come back – in Madrid and the next ones – but then not six more weeks out. It makes no sense. I want to be sure," he said.
Guardiola understands Rodri's frustration but has urged him to remain patient and focus on the long-term goal. "In some moments he's sad – I would not be happy if he's not sad or concerned – but I said, 'It's the last step, you're on the verge of coming back, don't make one step forward to make 1,000 steps backwards'," Guardiola revealed. He also noted Rodri has a World Cup and many seasons ahead of him.
While a specific return date remains uncertain, a potential target could be the EFL Cup quarter-final clash with Brentford on December 17, providing a suitable opportunity to ease Rodri back into first-team action. However, Guardiola's emphasis on a careful and gradual return suggests that Rodri will only be back when he is at peak match fitness.
Manchester City have felt Rodri's absence, struggling to maintain their usual rhythm and control in midfield. His return is not just about recovering technique but also about recovering the team's identity. In the meantime, Mateo Kovacic is also sidelined with an ankle injury, potentially until February 2026, further compounding City's midfield challenges. Nico O'Reilly suffered from cramp late in the game against Fulham. Despite these setbacks, City are focused on managing the squad carefully through a busy period of fixtures.
