Manchester City have received a significant double fitness boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Sunderland on New Year's Day, with key midfielder Rodri and winger Jeremy Doku both in contention to feature.
Timely Returns for Stretched Squad
The potential comebacks of Rodri and Jeremy Doku could not be more timely for Pep Guardiola's side, who are navigating a severe shortage of available players. City are heading into a punishing schedule of 10 games in 32 days across four competitions, a run that includes a trip to Tottenham on February 1st.
Rodri, who was an unused substitute in Saturday's victory over Nottingham Forest, appears to have finally shaken off his latest injury setback. The Spaniard's comeback from a serious knee injury that ruled him out for most of last season has been repeatedly disrupted, most recently by a hamstring complaint.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku, who made a sparkling start to the campaign, has been absent for the past four matches due to a calf problem. Their returns offer Guardiola much-needed options.
Guardiola's Selection Headache
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Guardiola confirmed the positive news but underlined the depth of his selection crisis. "Rodri has come back," the manager stated. "Maybe he can play a few minutes. I'm looking forward to it. Doku maybe, John [Stones] and Oscar [Bobb] no."
The club's injury list remains lengthy, with John Stones, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic all sidelined. Furthermore, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Guardiola painted a stark picture of the challenges ahead: "In terms of squad we are not in our best right now for this tight schedule... We will arrive back from Sunderland at 2am or 3am and two days later we have Chelsea and then after that we have Brighton – really tough opponents. We don't have many players to rotate."
January Transfer Speculation and Tough Sunderland Test
With the squad under such strain, speculation has increased that City may delve into the January transfer market. Guardiola, however, refused to comment on rumours linking the club with Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, saying, "I don't have any news about anything right now." He gave a similar response to talk of Oscar Bobb potentially leaving.
City begin 2026 trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points, albeit with a game in hand. Their immediate focus is on a Sunderland side that has impressed in their return to the top flight, sitting seventh in the table.
Guardiola is anticipating a stern test at the Stadium of Light, despite City's 3-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier in December. "They are so tough," he warned. "The crowd is unbelievable. They have beaten Newcastle. Arsenal and Aston Villa could not win there. They have had really good results. It will be completely different there but at the same time we are ready."
