Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City midfielder Rodri will miss Saturday’s Premier League match against Everton and admitted he does not know when the Spaniard will return from injury.
Rodri suffered a hamstring injury in City’s 1-0 win over Brentford before the international break, forcing him to miss two World Cup qualifiers for Spain.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner had already endured a long spell on the sidelines after tearing his ACL and damaging his meniscus against Arsenal in September 2024 an injury that initially ruled him out for up to 12 months.
Although he made an early comeback in May, Rodri has since struggled for full fitness. He featured in several matches this season before lasting just 21 minutes against Brentford, sparking renewed concern.
After that game, Rodri downplayed the issue, telling Sky Sports: “I felt a little bit in the hamstring but it seems as though it’s not that much.” Two weeks later, however, he has yet to recover.
“No news,” Guardiola said in his press conference. “He is not ready for tomorrow. I don’t know when he will be back.”
[Guardiola previously warned] Rodri not to rush his recovery, saying: “Maybe he’s struggled to understand that this is not about six or seven months. Rodri will be good at the 2026 World Cup, next season he will be the best Rodri.”
The midfielder will now be a doubt for City’s Champions League tie against Villarreal on Tuesday and Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, there was some relief for City as Mateo Kovacic returned to training after Achilles surgery and could feature against Everton. “Maybe 50-60 minutes,” Guardiola said. “It’s important he is back step by step.”
Guardiola also confirmed Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush have resumed training. Everton, boosted by City loanee Jack Grealish’s fine form, have lost just once since the opening day — though Grealish will be ineligible to face his parent club.
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