Pep Guardiola issues Rodri injury update as Man City brace for Aston Villa clash | OneFootball

The Spaniard suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the international break

Man City midfielder Rodri is not fit to face Aston Villa this weekend as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

The midfielder suffered what he described as a minor hamstring injury ahead of the October international break, but is yet to return to the pitch for City.

On Khusanov, he added: "I think he's close but he's still not ready from having an injury in a dangerous, dangerous position in his body."

Nico Gonzalez has deputised in Rodri’s absence, but he suffered a knock to his foot against Villarreal and is now a doubt to face Villa.

Guardiola continued: "I didn't see the doctors, we'll see today and tomorrow how he feels. It was something with his feet."

Man City are winless in their last three visits to Villa Park, a trend Guardiola is hoping to buck on Sunday.

Villa will be desperate for a win, too, after suffering a shock Europa League defeat to Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday.

Guardiola went on: "They were much better than us at the two fixtures we played at Villa Park. Hopefully it will be different on Sunday.

"The admiration I have for Unai [Emery] is so high, consistent and well-prepared.

"They aren't in the Champions League this season but for me they are they were in the Champions League last season and created a lot of problems. Well organised, quality, one of the toughest away games we’ll have all season.”