Rodri Injury Return Looms as Man City Plot Careful Comeback

Rodri injury return remains one of the most pressing topics for Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola updates fans on the Spanish midfielder’s recovery and the club’s cautious approach to his comeback. After missing most of the 2024-25 season with a ruptured ACL, Rodri’s absence has been keenly felt by City both on and off the pitch.

Rodri Injury Return: A Closer Look at City’s Midfield Woes

The Rodri injury return saga began in September 2024 when the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, ruling him out for almost the entire campaign. Without their midfield anchor, Manchester City struggled for consistency and lost crucial ground in the Premier League title race, eventually conceding the crown to Liverpool.

Rodri did make a late-season comeback, appearing in several fixtures, but his return was prematurely interrupted by another knee issue in a match against Brentford. Guardiola’s squad management has been tested as Rodri’s limited appearances have coincided with patchy form and a lack of midfield control that was once City’s trademark.

Pep Guardiola’s Update on Rodri’s Recovery

Ahead of Manchester City’s crucial Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola addressed questions about Rodri’s fitness: “Everybody is fit except Kova and Rodri. Not long [for Rodri]. Not sure but not long. In the process and timing on when he will be back. We will wait a little more to make sure he is fine.”

Guardiola’s measured words highlight City’s learned caution. With Rodri’s long-term health in mind, the coaching staff are determined not to rush his return to full match action. Guardiola’s strategy suggests the club values Rodri’s influence but is wary of risking another setback to their midfield general.

Impact of Rodri’s Absence on City’s Performance

City’s struggles without Rodri have been evident. Following his initial injury, City’s league form dipped, and their grip on the title race loosened. A brief resurgence saw them win four consecutive games across all competitions, reviving their hopes, but inconsistency has crept back in, partly due to Rodri’s absence and subsequent fitness doubts.

Their recent 2-1 defeat to Newcastle underlined these issues. Dropped points allowed rivals Arsenal and Chelsea to leapfrog them in the standings, pushing City to third place. Guardiola, clearly frustrated, acknowledged the slim margins in his post-match interview, noting, “Tight game. Entertaining game. They had chances. We had chances. In the end they scored one more goal… After we scored a goal, they scored a goal. After it was more difficult.”

Pep Guardiola’s Emotions Boil Over

The pressure of navigating this challenging period was evident as Guardiola became visibly agitated after the Newcastle loss. He exchanged animated words with Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and even had a tense moment with a cameraman, for which he later apologized: “I apologise. I feel embarrassed, ashamed when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman… I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure.”

Such passion is a testament to Guardiola’s commitment but also reflects the strain caused by the absence of key players such as Rodri.

What Lies Ahead for Rodri and Manchester City?

With a crucial Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen on the horizon, City fans hope Rodri’s injury return is indeed “not long” away. His presence in midfield could help restore balance and consistency to a side aiming to regain domestic and European glory. However, Guardiola’s insistence on a gradual return is prudent, given the risk of re-injury.

Supporters will be eager to follow updates on Rodri’s rehabilitation and City’s title ambitions. For ongoing updates, visit for more news and insights as the season unfolds.

Opinion: Patience Key to Rodri’s Full Recovery

Given Rodri’s pivotal role, it’s tempting for Manchester City to expedite his comeback. However, prioritizing his long-term fitness is crucial. Guardiola’s conservative approach is wise—ensuring Rodri returns only when fully fit will benefit the team in the long run, especially as they chase silverware on multiple fronts.