Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City midfielder Rodri is "suffering" and struggling to return from a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old Spain international picked up the issue when he lasted just 22 minutes in a match against Brentford on October 5, and despite being substituted out of the game, his injury worries have persisted ever since.
Rodri has seen limited action for City over the past two months, appearing as a late substitute in one match and starting only eight Premier League and Champions League games so far this season. The Spain international's situation is complicated by his previous injuries - he suffered a serious knee injury in September 2024 that kept him out of action for almost the entire last season.
Guardiola expressed his desire to get Rodri back on the pitch as soon as possible, citing the midfielder's importance to the team. "Do you know what it means playing without the best player in the world two seasons ago?" Guardiola said. "Our main player, when we won the Treble and playing 70 games." Despite Rodri's struggles with fitness, Guardiola believes his player is still capable of making a huge impact on the pitch.
Rodri has been hailed by City fans for his exceptional skill and performance in recent years. The midfielder played an integral role in Spain's European Championship victory earlier this year and was even awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2024, beating out several other top players to claim the prestigious award.
The situation with Rodri serves as a reminder of the risks and unpredictability that come with being a professional footballer. Despite Guardiola's efforts to minimize the risk of further injury, Rodri's struggles highlight the challenges faced by footballers in maintaining their health while still performing at an elite level.
Rodri has seen limited action for City over the past two months, appearing as a late substitute in one match and starting only eight Premier League and Champions League games so far this season. The Spain international's situation is complicated by his previous injuries - he suffered a serious knee injury in September 2024 that kept him out of action for almost the entire last season.
Guardiola expressed his desire to get Rodri back on the pitch as soon as possible, citing the midfielder's importance to the team. "Do you know what it means playing without the best player in the world two seasons ago?" Guardiola said. "Our main player, when we won the Treble and playing 70 games." Despite Rodri's struggles with fitness, Guardiola believes his player is still capable of making a huge impact on the pitch.
Rodri has been hailed by City fans for his exceptional skill and performance in recent years. The midfielder played an integral role in Spain's European Championship victory earlier this year and was even awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2024, beating out several other top players to claim the prestigious award.
The situation with Rodri serves as a reminder of the risks and unpredictability that come with being a professional footballer. Despite Guardiola's efforts to minimize the risk of further injury, Rodri's struggles highlight the challenges faced by footballers in maintaining their health while still performing at an elite level.