Key Takeaways:
- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated Rodri is not yet prepared to play three matches in a week
- The Spanish midfielder has made just four starts so far this season after lengthy injury setbacks
- Rodri was absent from the squad during City’s 5-1 victory over Burnley on Saturday
Rodri’s Fitness Remains Under Scrutiny
Manchester City are closely managing midfielder Rodri’s recovery, as manager Pep Guardiola revealed the player is still regaining full match fitness and is unable to feature in three games per week. This update comes ahead of City’s Champions League fixture against Monaco.
Injury Setbacks Hamper Midfielder’s Return
Rodri, who was awarded the Ballon d’Or last year, only returned to action in May after being sidelined for eight months with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. However, his return was disrupted once more when he sustained a groin injury during the Club World Cup in July. These injuries have limited him to just four starts this season.
🎙️| Pep Guardiola on Rodri:
“My feeling right now is that he is not able to play three games a week at the top, top level with all the intensity…”
“He needs time, be patient…” 🗣️‼️ pic.twitter.com/GlvffMeAh7
— City HQ (@City_HQs) September 30, 2025
Recent Squad Selection Decisions
The Spanish international was not named in the squad for Manchester City’s 5-1 triumph over Burnley on Saturday. Guardiola addressed Rodri’s status in a press conference, stating: “On the day before the match with Burnley, he was not feeling very well, but now he is better, so we will see. It’s different from the Club World Cup. In my opinion, at the moment, he is not in shape to play three matches a week at the highest level. I feel that right now he is not ready, because he needs time,” Guardiola said at his press conference.
| Player | Starts This Season | Recent Squad Activity | Latest Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodri | 4 | Not in squad vs Burnley (5-1 win) | Groin injury during Club World Cup (July) |
Looking Ahead to the Monaco Fixture
Guardiola’s comments confirm Rodri will remain on a managed schedule as City prepare for their Champions League main stage encounter with Monaco. The club will monitor his recovery closely before reintegrating him fully into the starting line-up.
