Manchester City have been dealt a setback ahead of their Premier League trip to Everton, with key midfielder Rodri ruled out due to an injury.
Rodri’s recent months have been troubled by fitness issues. After winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he missed a large part of last season with a serious knee injury suffered early in the campaign.
The 29-year-old only returned for City’s final two games and the Club World Cup, but Guardiola revealed in August that the midfielder had endured another setback.
The City manager said the club has been cautious with his recovery. “We have tried to be gentle,” Guardiola explained, adding that Rodri has completed a full 90 minutes only twice this season despite featuring seven times in all competitions.
There is, however, some good news for City fans. Mateo Kovacic is fit again and available for selection, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri have returned to training and are “close to a comeback,” according to Guardiola.
Now in his ninth season in charge, Guardiola is focused on getting City back to their best after a rare trophyless campaign. His team are unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions and are slowly finding their rhythm again.
“I still have the feeling that I have the energy to help the players make a better season than last season,” Guardiola said.
“We want to arrive in competitions being close. That is the target I have, and I see things that we are doing much better than last season. Every game we are better and better. That gives me the energy that it is not job done; it is unfinished business, and that is why I am here.”
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