Rodri: Manchester City midfielder has had injury setback
Context:
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has experienced an injury setback and is not expected to be fully fit until after the September international break, as stated by manager Pep Guardiola. The Spain international, who suffered a serious knee injury against Arsenal last September, spent most of the 2024-25 season recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Although he returned to play as a substitute in the Premier League's penultimate match last season, a recent groin issue during a Club World Cup match against Al-Hilal has delayed his full recovery. Guardiola remains optimistic about Rodri's condition, noting that he has been training well and hopes he can play some minutes in upcoming games against Wolves, Tottenham, and Brighton. The primary concern is ensuring Rodri's health, aiming to prevent any further injuries before his anticipated return post-international break.
Dive Deeper:
Rodri, Manchester City's midfielder, has faced a setback in his recovery from a serious knee injury, which initially occurred in a match against Arsenal last September, causing him to miss much of the 2024-25 season.
Having won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Rodri made a brief return in the final stages of the Premier League season, appearing as a late substitute against Bournemouth, but his progress was hampered by a groin issue during a match against Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup.
Manager Pep Guardiola announced that while Rodri is improving and has participated in recent training sessions, he is not expected to be fully fit until after the upcoming international break in September.
City's Premier League campaign begins with matches against Wolves, Tottenham, and Brighton before the international break, and Guardiola hopes Rodri can participate in some capacity without risking further injury.
Ensuring Rodri's complete recovery is of utmost importance to Guardiola, who emphasized the necessity of avoiding any additional setbacks to the player's health, prioritizing his long-term fitness over immediate participation.