MANCHESTER, UK – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that star midfielder Rodri will not be available for the club’s upcoming fixture this weekend, urging patience as the Spanish international works to overcome his ongoing fitness issues.
The club is adopting a highly cautious approach to the recovery of the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who has been battling setbacks since returning from a major knee injury last season.
Recovery Requires Mental and Physical Time
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s Saturday clash against Newcastle United, Guardiola provided a candid update on Rodri’s status:
“Rodri is making good steps, it’s been three weeks since his last setback. He knows he has to take the real time to recover well mentally and especially physically.”
Rodri has missed recent matches against Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, having been forced to abort an attempted comeback in a late substitute appearance against Bournemouth earlier this month.
His current issue is reportedly a hamstring problem stemming from a lack of consistency since his return from a serious knee injury sustained in September 2024.
Ruled Out of Crucial Fixture
Rodri, who is considered irreplaceable at the base of City’s midfield, will be sorely missed as the team navigates a busy period.
- This Weekend: He is confirmed out of the Premier League match against Newcastle United on Saturday, November 22nd.
- The Plan: Guardiola’s emphasis on taking the “real time” suggests the club is prioritizing his long-term fitness and consistency over rushing him back, even if it means missing crucial matches in the short term. The manager is wary of the repeated setbacks that have plagued Rodri’s fitness since his major knee injury.
In Rodri’s absence, Nico Gonzalez is expected to continue his impressive performances at holding midfield, having stepped up effectively in recent weeks.
Up Next for Manchester City
City must manage without their influential midfielder for their upcoming fixtures:
- Tues, Nov 25: vs. Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League)
- Sat, Nov 29: vs. Leeds United (Premier League)
