Pep Guardiola has expressed hope that midfield linchpin Rodri will recover in time for Manchester City's Premier League encounter with Brentford on Saturday. The Spanish international has been sidelined since sustaining a groin injury during City's 2-1 victory over Arsenal on 19 April, and his absence has been keenly felt, with the team dropping vital points in a 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola confirmed that the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner would undergo a fitness test later in the day. "He made a little problem and still he doesn't feel completely comfortable," Guardiola said. "When he will be ready and fit and come back - this afternoon, hopefully - he will come back. We will see this afternoon. We have survived without him for many months. He still doesn't feel completely comfortable."
Rodri has missed City's last three fixtures. While the team managed victories in the first two matches without him, they appeared disjointed in the draw against Everton, requiring a last-minute equaliser from Jeremy Doku to salvage a point. Guardiola, however, dismissed suggestions that the result was solely due to Rodri's absence. "It does not depend on him. We gave it away but not because Rodri was not there," he asserted.
City currently trail league leaders Arsenal by five points, though they have a game in hand. The draw at Everton has handed momentum back to the Gunners, who are now within touching distance of a first Premier League title in 22 years. Guardiola called on the home fans to provide a boost against Brentford. "It has been a long time since we last played a home game. I think it was Arsenal. I love to play at home. Hopefully the fans can come and put pressure on Arsenal. That is all we can do," he said.
In other news, Guardiola revealed that the club is nearing an agreement on a new contract for Phil Foden, whose current deal expires in 2027. "I asked my sporting director. He said they are close and hopefully it is going to happen. It is not done yet," the manager confirmed.
