Manchester City have been dealt a significant blow as manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that star midfielder Rodri is currently struggling with an injury. The Spanish international, who has been instrumental in City's recent successes, faces a race against time to regain full fitness ahead of crucial upcoming matches.
Guardiola's Injury Update
Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola revealed: "Rodri is not at 100%. We're monitoring his situation closely and will make decisions based on medical advice." The City boss refused to put a timeline on the player's return but admitted his absence would be felt in the squad.
Impact on Manchester City
Rodri's potential unavailability comes at a critical juncture in City's season as they compete on multiple fronts:
- Premier League title race heating up
- Champions League knockout stages approaching
- FA Cup commitments continuing
The 27-year-old has been virtually ever-present for City this season, making his potential absence particularly concerning for Guardiola's side. His unique blend of defensive solidity and creative passing has made him one of the first names on the team sheet.
Possible Replacements
Should Rodri be unavailable, City may turn to:
- Kalvin Phillips - the English international who has struggled for minutes
- John Stones - who has played in midfield previously
- Rico Lewis - the young academy graduate
Guardiola remained tight-lipped about his specific plans, stating: "We have options. Every player in our squad is here because we believe in them."
City fans will be anxiously awaiting further updates on Rodri's condition as the club prepares for their next Premier League fixture. The midfielder's importance to the team cannot be overstated, with statistics showing City's win percentage drops significantly when he's absent.
