Pep Guardiola cautiously optimistic on Rodri injury ahead of FA Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has provided a positive injury update on Rodri but remains cautious not to throw him back into action too quickly.

Rodri limped off during Manchester City’s crucial win over Arsenal last weekend after picking up a groin injury, which sidelined him for the midweek victory over Burnley.

The result at Turf Moor took Guardiola’s side to the top of the Premier League table and focus now shifts to the FA Cup, with City facing Southampton in Saturday’s semi-final.

And while Rodri unlikely to play any part in that Wembley showdown, Guardiola has assured fans that the Spaniard is on the mend.

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Rodri missed Wednesday’s trip to Burnley with a groin problem (PA)

He's better,” Guardiola said. “No, [he is not likely to play] we don't want to take the risk.

“I don't know [if he will be back for the Everton game] but we don't want to take a risk, because if he's injured, [and] we lose him [for] the next five games. Rodri is so important."

Rodri had the first half of this season plagued by injuries, having spent almost the entirety of last season sidelined after tearing his ACL.

The midfielder’s future at Man City hasn’t been certain, however, flirting with a move to Real Madrid while on Spain duty during the March international break.

Nor has Guardiola’s future for the matter, with many speculating that this will be his last season at the Etihad Stadium.

Remaining typically tight-lipped when asked if he had any more clarity when he will eventually leave the club, he said: "No, I'm living day by day, numbers are numbers, how fine we have been is how fine we have been, who we are is who we will be.”

Guardiola will take City to Wembley for a record 23rd time this weekend, with his previous visit coming in March has the Cityzens defeated Arsenal to lift the Carabao Cup.

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Pep Guardiola at Wembley after Man City’s Carabao Cup final win (PA)

But when asked about his favourite Wembley memory, he cited his Champions League triumph with Barcelona in 2011, when the likes of Lionel Messi and David Villa inspired a 3-1 win over Manchester United.

“To win the first Champions League with Barcelona was so important. Really important,” he said. “And of course, Champions League against Man United as well.”