Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed a potential double fitness boost ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Sunderland on New Year’s Day 2026. Speaking today, Guardiola revealed that Rodri has returned to training and could feature for a few minutes, while Jeremy Doku is also close to making his comeback.
City travel to the Stadium of Light in high spirits, with the fixture already previewed by SoftFootball as Sunderland prepare to host the champions. Guardiola admitted in a post shared by the club’s official X account that they are eager to have Rodri back involved, stressing the importance of his presence even in a limited role.
The City boss said, while confirming that John Stones and Oscar Bobb remain unavailable:
Rodri has come back. Maybe he can play a few minutes. We’re looking forward to it desperately. Doku, maybe. John and Oscar, no.
Rodri was included in the matchday squad for last weekend’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest but did not play, as City ground out a tough victory highlighted by SoftFootball. The Spanish midfielder has been sidelined for nearly three months with a hamstring problem, and Guardiola remains cautious with his reintegration.
Rodri’s return carries extra significance given his importance to City’s midfield balance and control, qualities Guardiola has often described as irreplaceable. The manager is keen to manage his minutes carefully, especially after the player’s previous long-term injury setbacks.
Jeremy Doku is also edging closer to full fitness after missing four matches with a muscle issue picked up during City’s Champions League win at Real Madrid.
While a starting role is unlikely, his availability would add pace and unpredictability out wide. Stones, Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic remain out, while Rayan Ait Nouri and Omar Marmoush are unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations duty.
City head into the Sunderland game on an eight-match winning streak in all competitions and trail league leaders Arsenal by five points with a game in hand. A win would keep them firmly in the title race, with Guardiola focused solely on results rather than transfer speculation as a busy January schedule approaches.
