Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a fresh update on midfielder Rodri after the Spaniard missed the club’s 4-1 victory over Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
The City boss explained that Rodri still doesn’t feel completely fit to return to action, so the decision to rest him was purely precautionary. Guardiola emphasized that there’s no need to rush the midfielder back, given his importance to the team.
According to top journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Pep Guardiola said:
Rodri was not ready and I wanted to be cautious. He doesn’t feel perfect, so that’s why we didn’t want to take a risk… He will come up. These little setbacks make us realise that he needs a little more time to feel good and play football.
Softfootball earlier reported that Guardiola confirmed there is currently no specific timeframe for Rodri’s full return, as City continue to monitor his progress closely.
Fabrizio Romano also reported via his official X handle, that Guardiola also took time to praise Phil Foden, who seems to be rediscovering his spark this season. Romano posted;
With City still competing across multiple fronts, Guardiola’s cautious approach suggests he is prioritizing Rodri’s long-term fitness over short-term gains as the season intensifies.
The former Ballon d’Or winner, has been a vital cog in Guardiola’s midfield engine, and his absence has been strongly felt, but City fans will be hopeful that his gradual recovery signals a full return to dominance soon.
