Rodri out for Sunderland visit, says Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says Rodri will not feature in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland.

Men's Team

City v Sunderland: Man City app the ideal destination with no UK TV coverage

We welcome the high-flying Black Cats to the Etihad Stadium in a 15:00 (UK) kick-off.

But we will do so without our 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in October after a comeback from a lengthy knee issue.

City v Sunderland | Match preview

Speaking in Friday’s press conference, Guardiola made it clear the No.16 will not play in this one.

“No,” he said when asked if Rodri is fit.

“He’s getting better. He’s getting better. I don’t know how long [until he’s back] but he will be ready.”

Men's Team

Analysing Sunderland ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash

It’s the first time Sunderland have visited the Etihad since Guardiola’s very first game in the English top-flight in 2016/17.

Having spent time in the second and third tiers since, this return to the Premier League has been a long time coming for a former stalwart of the top tier.

CHRISTMAS, TOGETHER

They’ve made the most of it so far, with Regis Le Bris guiding his team to 23 points from their first 14 games including a win over Chelsea and draws with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.

Guardiola is well aware of the challenge Sunderland will provide at the Etihad.

“All I can say from my opinion is that they deserve to be where they are,” he said.

When you are promoted and you play well for five games, okay momentum. It can happen.

“But for 14 fixtures in the Premier League with the opponents like everyone suffers to take results in that position they deserve.

“They do it well otherwise they won’t be where they are. Good challenge for us.”

Limited City v Sunderland tickets available

Limited tickets remain for qualifying members for City’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 6 December.

Sitting second in the table, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to keep pressure on league leaders Arsenal as we approach the halfway point of the campaign.

The newly promoted Black Cats will provide a stern test having enjoyed a fabulous return to the top-flight so far.

This is in fact the first Etihad meeting between the sides since Pep’s very first game in charge of City all the way back in 2016!

Get your seats now!

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