Rodri Injury Update: Guardiola Confirms Careful Comeback Plan
Manchester City fans have received a fresh Rodri injury update from Pep Guardiola, with the manager confirming the midfielder will have restricted minutes at the start of the Premier League season following a setback at the Club World Cup.
Setback After Return from ACL Injury
Rodri missed most of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Arsenal last September. The Spanish star made his long-awaited return as a substitute in City’s penultimate league fixture and played in all four matches at the Club World Cup. However, during the clash with Al-Hilal, he was forced off with a groin issue — a blow that has now delayed his full recovery.
Guardiola’s Timeline for Recovery
Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League opener, Guardiola revealed that Rodri is “getting better” but will not be at peak condition until after the September international break. The manager hinted the 28-year-old could feature in early fixtures against Wolves, Tottenham, and Brighton, but only if he is pain-free.
“What’s important is that he doesn’t feel pain. We don’t want Rodri coming back injured again,” Guardiola stressed.
Rodri has trained in the last two sessions with the squad, which Guardiola views as a positive sign. Still, the club remains determined to avoid rushing his return and risking another setback.
City’s Midfield Without Rodri
Manchester City have strengthened their midfield this summer with the arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Sverre Nypan. Yet, Rodri’s influence is undeniable.
Since his debut in the 2019 Community Shield, City have won 73.2% of matches when he starts. Without him, that win rate drops to 61.7%. The team also scores more goals (2.5 per game) and concedes fewer (0.8 per game) with him on the pitch, compared to 2.2 scored and 1.0 conceded without him.
What’s Next for the Spanish Midfielder
With the season about to begin, the latest Rodri injury update suggests City will manage his game time carefully, aiming for a full return after the international break. Fans will hope his presence in the heart of midfield will help the champions maintain their dominance both domestically and in Europe.