Softfootball understands that Manchester City midfielder Rodri has officially been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland, as his long-running hamstring issue continues to hold him back.
Following the club’s 5-4 victory against Fulham, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account. Pep Guardiola confirmed the news, offering an update that sounded both cautious and a bit weary after months of uncertainty surrounding the Spaniard’s fitness.
He posted:
Rodri’s troubles date back to a nasty ACL injury he suffered in September 2024. Although he somehow fought his way back for a short spell near the end of that season, consistency hasn’t followed him since.
After featuring for only 21 minutes against Brentford in October this season, he picked up a fresh hamstring problem. Since then, he has been on the pitch for just one minute against Bournemouth in early November and has now missed 6 straight matches.
Guardiola seems far more focused on ensuring Rodri’s long-term stability, overall fitness, and mental readiness, and he has also urged fans to be patient with his recovery rather than risk pushing him for an early return in any single match, even if it means missing several important games.
He even hinted that the recovery isn’t only physical. He knows he has to take the time to recover and to be consistent from now until the end; the manager stated that the mental side of a long comeback can be just as tiring.
As for Saturday’s Premier League game against Sunderland, Guardiola completely shut down any remaining hopes of Rodri being available for that match, making it clear that Manchester City will once again have to cope without their influential midfield anchor.
