Manchester City’s midfield anchor Rodri is set to remain short of peak condition until after the September international break.
City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the news, saying the Spaniard’s full sharpness will take more time despite recent progress.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating 2024-25 campaign after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last September. His absence left a noticeable gap in City’s midfield stability.
Rodri eventually returned late last season, making a brief substitute appearance against Bournemouth in the penultimate Premier League fixture.
Over the summer, the 29-year-old travelled with City to the Club World Cup in the United States. However, his comeback hit another hurdle when he picked up a suspected groin injury during the last-16 defeat to Al-Hilal. He was forced off early in extra time.
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Guardiola cautious ahead of crucial early fixtures
Guardiola offered an update, stating that Rodri has trained well over the past few days but is still not at full tilt. The manager stressed that the priority is ensuring the midfielder returns without any lingering pain, avoiding the risk of aggravating his injuries.
City’s Premier League campaign begins away to Wolves on 16 August, followed by meetings with Tottenham and Brighton before the international break. Guardiola hinted that Rodri could feature briefly in those matches, but only if his recovery stays on track.
“What matters most is that Rodri feels no discomfort,” Guardiola explained. “We want him back fully fit, not returning too soon.” The Spaniard has already completed two full training sessions with the squad, a positive step in his rehabilitation.
For City, a healthy Rodri is pivotal. His defensive awareness, passing range, and composure under pressure remain key to Guardiola’s system. Yet with a long season ahead, both player and manager know that patience now could prevent far bigger problems later.
Tags: Rodri, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, #MCFC, #Etihad, anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, Club World Cup, Al-Hilal, #CWC.
