‘It’s so risky’- Guardiola issues latest injury update on Man City duo | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued the latest fitness updates on Rodri and Rayan Cherki after both were spotted in training ahead of their second Champions League fixture.

After missing the most recent match against Burnley, Rodri was the first player out at City’s training session this morning. “Yeah, he feels much better than the game before,” Guardiola answered on the midfielder’s availability to play.

The Ballon D’Or winner was absent from the Blues’ squad on Saturday after feeling pain in the same knee that he injured last season. The setback came after the Spaniard started three matches in seven days a week prior.

City’s boss explained: “Right now, my feeling, he is not able to play three games a week at a top, top, top level, top intensity, demanding of the opponents.

“My feeling right now is he’s not ready. Because he needs time.”

The Catalan’s squad was also boosted in training earlier by the return of Rayan Cherki. The Frenchman had been sidelined since the end of August with a thigh injury. He was not expected to be back in action for at least two months.

Despite taking part in training earlier, Cherki was left out of the travelling squad for tomorrow night’s match against Monaco. Guardiola confirmed that he will also be unavailable for the Premier League game against Brentford this Sunday.

“It’s so risky, because next time it’s surgery, next time it’s four or five months. And I don’t want to take a risk in that game on Sunday.

“After we have two weeks for him to fully recover by training alone, with the EDS, with the team, and he’ll be ready.”

City’s boss continued: “Hopefully after Brentford we will have many players back.

“Cherki will be back, Ait-Nouri will be back, Khusanov will be back, hopefully Omar (Marmoush) will be back.

“Many players will be back and we’ll be able to handle every three days competition.”