Manchester City have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their Premier League clash against Everton, with key midfielder Rodri ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the news during his pre-match press conference, revealing that the Spaniard has not yet recovered from the knock sustained two weeks ago.
“He’s not ready for this weekend. When he’ll be back in the squad, no… don’t know yet,” Guardiola said, indicating uncertainty over the midfielder’s return timeline.
Rodri’s absence will be a huge blow for City, given his pivotal role in dictating the tempo and shielding the backline. The 28-year-old has been an ever-present figure in Guardiola’s setup, known for his composure, vision, and tactical awareness. City have often struggled without him, their record in matches he misses underlines just how crucial he is to the team’s structure and balance.
The injury comes at a challenging time for Manchester City, who are juggling a demanding schedule with domestic and European commitments. Guardiola may now have to turn to few other players in a midfield role to fill the void left by the Spanish international.
