A key player for Manchester City is ruled out of their clash with Everton | OneFootball

Manchester City take on Everton tomorrow at the Etihad Stadium as the Premier League returns after the October international break. Yesterday, there was mixed news on the injury front for Pep Guardiola’s side. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri returned to training and could be available for Manchester City’s clash with Everton. Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov failed to train and seem likely to miss Saturday’s match.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri will miss Manchester City’s match against Everton.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Everton, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri will miss the match at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City’s midfield general suffered a knee injury in the opening 20 minutes of City’s 1-nil win over Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium. When asked if Rodri was available for tomorrow’s match, Pep Guardiola told the media: “Not yet, he’s not ready for tomorrow.”

There may be a silver lining for Manchester City in Rodri’s absence.

It is a blow for Manchester City to be without Rodri for tomorrow’s match. The Spanish international remains one of his team’s most important players. Although, this season is more about Rodri returning to full fitness rather than immediately returning to his best form. That is an ongoing process, as Rodri’s early-season fitness issues have illustrated. But there could be a silver lining in Rodri’s absence for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Nico has shown in recent matches that he is growing into the role that Rodri has made his own. The Spanish midfielder isn’t Rodri, but he brings his own strengths to the role that Rodri has perfected. The more Nico plays, the more familiar he gets with what Pep Guardiola demands from a number six in midfield. If there is a silver lining in Rodri’s absence, it is that Nico can continue to grow as a City player.

It isn’t a surprise to see Rodri ruled of Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Everton. That was to be expected. It remains to be seen how long the Spanish international is sidelined for. But he is definitely unavailable for tomorrow’s match at the Etihad Stadium.