Guardiola issues worrying Man City update on star midfielder | OneFootball

Guardiola faces Rodri injury setback

Pep Guardiola has confirmed fresh concerns over Rodri after the midfielder admitted he could not continue during training. The Man City boss explained the situation in stark terms, reflecting the importance of the Spaniard’s role at the heart of his side.

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Guardiola’s account of Rodri’s struggles

“Yesterday [in] training, he said, ‘I’m not able to play. I have a lot of pain in my knee, I cannot play, I cannot play’,” Guardiola said. “And I said, ‘You cannot play? You don’t play. So, another one is going to play’. I don’t know yet… Yeah [it is the same knee he injured]…”

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The admission has left Guardiola facing an unwelcome dilemma. Rodri’s absence in midfield is often felt most in the rhythm of City’s build-up and their control in tight spaces.

Man City’s reliance on midfield balance

Rodri has become the cornerstone of Guardiola’s system, dictating tempo and shielding the back line. Without him, City have historically looked less secure, even when their attacking brilliance remains undimmed. The knee injury could test squad depth at a crucial stage of the season.

Key questions for Guardiola’s next move

How Guardiola adapts will be central to City’s immediate future. Adjusting the system, or reshaping the midfield entirely, the impact of Rodri’s injury looms large.