Pep Guardiola unsure about when Rodri will return | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City midfielder Rodri (29) will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with Everton and admitted he is unsure when the Ballon d’Or winner will return from his latest injury setback, BBC Sport reports.

The 29-year-old Spaniard limped off just 22 minutes into City’s victory over Brentford before the international break, later revealing he had “felt something” in his hamstring. It marks yet another frustrating interruption in a stop-start year for the midfielder, who missed most of last season with a serious knee injury.

“Right now, we don’t know when he’ll be back,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday. “We’ve tried to be gentle with him. The important thing is that when he returns, he’s fully ready.”

Rodri, who was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner after his instrumental role in City’s treble-winning campaign, has completed a full 90 minutes just twice this season. His absence leaves a notable gap in the heart of midfield, with City eager to maintain momentum after a seven-game unbeaten run.

There was more positive news for Guardiola elsewhere, however, with Mateo Kovacic now available for selection for the first time this term, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri are close to returning to full fitness.

Reflecting on his own motivation as he nears a decade at the Etihad, Guardiola said, “I still have the energy to help the players make a better season than last year. It’s not job done, it’s unfinished business.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle