Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he does not know when pivotal midfielder Rodri will be fit to return to action, delivering a significant blow to the club's Premier League ambitions.
Rodri's Ongoing Fitness Struggle
The Spain international, who missed a large portion of last season with a serious knee injury, has suffered a troubled comeback. A subsequent hamstring problem has limited him to just a single one-minute appearance in City's last ten matches across all competitions.
The 29-year-old has already been ruled out of Tuesday's Premier League away fixture against Fulham and is considered a major doubt for the following Saturday's home clash with Sunderland.
Guardiola's Brief Update
Addressing the media in a short press conference on Monday to preview the Fulham trip, Guardiola offered little clarity. When asked directly if Rodri was available, he replied, "No, not yet." Pressed on whether the midfielder could feature at the weekend, the manager stated simply, "I don't know."
The press briefing with broadcast media lasted just over two minutes, though Guardiola later held a longer session with written journalists.
Donnarumma's Disciplinary Concern
Guardiola did comment briefly on another issue concerning his goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian received his fourth yellow card in a City shirt during the dramatic late win over Leeds United on Saturday, leaving him one booking away from a suspension.
"Yes, he has a lot, he has many," Guardiola acknowledged. "It is what it is." He confirmed he had not spoken to the player about the matter.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke had also accused Donnarumma of feigning injury during that match to allow Guardiola to deliver a crucial team talk.
Praise for Fulham and Marco Silva
Guardiola was more expansive when discussing Tuesday's opponents, Fulham, and their manager Marco Silva. He warned of a difficult test at Craven Cottage, especially following Fulham's impressive recent victory at Tottenham Hotspur.
"Marco has been there many, many years and it's always really, really tough games for us," Guardiola said. "Their organisation is exceptional and every year I feel that with the ball, they are better and better. They are a tough, tough opponent."
He added that he had analysed their recent performances against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Sunderland, noting: "It is always so difficult for opponents to break them down. It has always been like that in this beautiful stadium in London."
