RODRI INJURY UPDATE: Pep Guardiola Reveals When Manchester City Midfielder Will Return
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola outlines a cautious plan for Rodri’s return after the Spanish midfielder’s latest setback, as City look to maintain their Premier League title challenge.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered a detailed Rodri injury update, revealing the careful approach the club is taking ahead of the Spanish midfielder’s return to full fitness. Rodri, the Ballon d’Or winner, has endured a challenging period, spending most of the 2024-25 season sidelined after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024. While he returned briefly towards the end of last season, a fresh setback in the current campaign has kept him out of action and forced City to adjust their approach on the pitch.
Rodri’s Struggles with Injury
Rodri’s rehabilitation has been closely monitored by City’s medical team, who are determined not to rush his comeback. The 29-year-old suffered a further knock during Manchester City’s recent clash against Brentford, forcing him off after just 20 minutes. Guardiola stressed the importance of patience, explaining, “Everybody is fit except Kova and Rodri. Not long [for Rodri]. Not sure but not long. In the process and timing on when he will be back. We will wait a little more to make sure he is fine.” This cautious approach underlines the club’s awareness of how vital Rodri is to City’s midfield balance.
Rodri remains not available for Man City against Bayer Leverkusen.
“It won’t be long, but he’s still not ready”, says Pep Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/luvK2kR0Rs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 24, 2025
Impact on Manchester City’s Campaign
Rodri’s prolonged absence has affected Manchester City’s rhythm and consistency. After losing the Premier League crown to Liverpool last season, City have struggled to maintain momentum whenever their midfield general has been unavailable. Despite a bright start to the 2025-26 season, Rodri’s limited involvement has contributed to inconsistent performances, particularly in key league and Champions League fixtures. Guardiola has often highlighted the Spaniard’s influence, and his absence has been felt in both defensive solidity and transitional play.
Recent Setback Against Newcastle
City’s latest setback came in a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, a result that dropped them to third place in the Premier League. Guardiola reflected on the game, saying, “Tight game. Entertaining game. They had chances. We had chances. In the end, they scored one more goal… The second half we started really well and had the momentum, we were arriving and finding players in the positions. But after we scored a goal, they scored a goal. After it was more difficult because [Sven] Botman was in the pitch, the defence was deep, so yes, more difficult.” Rodri’s absence was a contributing factor, leaving City without their usual midfield control against the Magpies.
Guardiola’s Reaction and Club Management
The City boss has also faced personal challenges in maintaining composure on the touchline, particularly during tense moments with players and media personnel. Guardiola’s dedication to defending his team is clear, stating, “I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why is I want to defend my team and my club.” His passion for protecting City’s players highlights just how important Rodri’s return will be for morale and team stability.
With City preparing for upcoming Champions League and Premier League fixtures, the club is taking no risks with Rodri. The careful management of his recovery process will be essential to ensure that when he returns, he can contribute at the level expected of a Ballon d’Or winner. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as Guardiola navigates this delicate phase, knowing that Rodri’s full fitness could be the key to Manchester City reclaiming their place at the top of English and European football.
Rodri’s comeback is now on the horizon, but patience remains paramount. This Rodri injury update serves as a reminder of the fine balance between ambition and care in managing one of the world’s elite midfielders.
