Manchester City fans will have to wait a little longer to see Rodri back in action, as Pep Guardiola confirmed the Spanish midfielder is unlikely to be fit until after the September international break.
The influential midfielder, who has been a cornerstone of City's success in recent seasons, is recovering from an undisclosed injury that has kept him sidelined during the early stages of the campaign.
Guardiola's Midfield Dilemma
Speaking ahead of City's next Premier League fixture, Guardiola admitted: "Rodri's recovery is progressing, but we must be patient. He won't be rushed back before he's ready." This leaves City with a selection headache as they look to maintain their strong start to the season without their midfield general.
Impact on City's Early Season
The absence of Rodri, known for his composure and tactical intelligence, could force Guardiola to rethink his midfield setup. Options include:
- Deploying Kalvin Phillips in a deeper role
- Utilising John Stones in midfield again
- Giving more minutes to young talent Rico Lewis
City's upcoming fixtures before the international break include crucial matches that could test their squad depth without one of their most consistent performers.
What This Means for Premier League Rivals
Rodri's extended absence might give hope to City's title rivals, who could see this as an opportunity to gain ground early in the season. However, Guardiola's side have shown remarkable resilience in similar situations before.
The manager remained optimistic, adding: "We have a strong squad, and every player is ready to step up when called upon."
