Manchester City are being forced to start the new Premier League season without their midfield general, Rodri, as manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the Spanish international won’t be fully fit until after the September international break.
This update comes as a significant blow for City, especially considering how crucial Rodri was to their success prior to his injury. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner missed a large part of last season due to ligament damage, and without his presence, Manchester City failed to mount a strong defence of their Premier League title.
Rodri, who was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner after a phenomenal 2023 campaign, has struggled with injuries since late last year. His absence was deeply felt across all competitions, particularly in the Premier League, where City lacked their usual midfield control and balance.
Last season, the 29-year-old suffered significant ligament damage that sidelined him for several months. His return to training came with optimism, but unfortunately, that momentum was halted once again when he picked up a groin injury during Manchester City’s defeat to Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States.
Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League opener, Guardiola confirmed that Rodri is still not at 100% and won’t be until well into September.
“Rodri’s getting better, but he had a big injury in the last game against Al-Hilal, and for the last five or six weeks,” said Guardiola in a press conference on Saturday. “He’s training right now and in the last two or three days is better. Hopefully, maybe the international break is when he will be really, really fit.”
Rodri ruled out of Manchester City action until next month
Guardiola emphasized that Manchester City are being extremely cautious in managing Rodri’s return. The club’s medical staff is closely monitoring his recovery to avoid any setbacks that could lead to a prolonged absence.
“Hopefully, in the games before that [international break] he can play some minutes, but the important thing is to not have pain because we don’t want him to come back and then get injured again,” Guardiola added. “We will try desperately to avoid that.”
This measured approach reflects how vital Rodri is to City’s setup. His ability to control tempo, intercept passes, and dictate play from deep makes him an irreplaceable component in Guardiola’s tactical system. Without Rodri, City struggled to maintain consistency in midfield last season, and the results spoke for themselves.
Rodri isn’t the only concern for Manchester City’s medical team. Guardiola also confirmed that Phil Foden and Mateo Kovačić are in the final stages of recovery from their respective injuries. Both players were left out of City’s recent pre-season friendly in Sicily, alongside Rodri, as a precautionary measure.
The timing of these injuries is far from ideal. City are set to kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend, followed by tough fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton before the September international break.
With such a demanding schedule ahead, Guardiola may have to rely on squad depth and younger talent to see City through the opening weeks of the season.
There’s no question that Rodri plays a pivotal role at Manchester City. His 2023 season, which earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or, showcased his dominance in midfield and his ability to step up in critical moments — most notably, scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final.
Statistically and tactically, Rodri is unmatched in City’s lineup. His passing accuracy, defensive awareness, and positional intelligence have made him one of the most respected midfielders in world football. His injury absence last season coincided with a noticeable dip in City’s form — further underlining his influence on the pitch.
The road to full fitness may be long, but Rodri’s gradual return is a positive sign for City fans. The focus now is to ensure that he returns without complications and can once again lead the team from the center of the park.
As City aim to reclaim the Premier League title and push for another European triumph, Rodri’s health and form will be central to their ambitions. While fans may have to wait until late September to see him at his best, the long-term payoff could be vital for another successful campaign.
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Source- EWN
