Pep Guardiola has revealed that Rodri is still unable to cope with playing three games a week as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury. The Manchester City midfielder missed the 5-1 win against Burnley on Saturday after stating he was not fit, but will be available to face Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Guardiola stressed the need for patience, saying: 'He is not injured but in the tendon he has a difficulty. The week before was so demanding with United, Napoli and especially Arsenal and right now he’s not able to play three games in a week at a top, top, top level – top intensity, demanding opponents.' The Spaniard added: 'This type of injury, it is minimum one year and after that you start. Be patient and he dictates. If he feels not good, it’s better to rest.'
City, who began their Champions League campaign with victory against Napoli, will be led out by Bernardo Silva, appointed captain this summer after Kevin De Bruyne’s exit. Silva said: 'Man City was so successful in the last eight years not because one captain was really good but because we have a group of great leaders.'
Monaco, who lost their opening Champions League fixture 4-1 against Club Brugge, come into this game after a 3-1 defeat at Lorient. Head coach Adi Hütter will be without key personnel, forcing him to select a makeshift midfield. Paul Pogba remains unavailable as he is not yet fit enough to feature after serving an 18-month doping ban.
