A key player for Manchester City is unlikely to be risked against Liverpool | OneFootball

Rodri didn’t feature in the Manchester City matchday squad for their 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening. Pep Guardiola revealed following his team’s win in midweek that Manchester City’s midfield general wasn’t deemed fit enough to play in that match. The City manager further revealed that Rodri won’t play until he feels 100% fit. Pep Guardiola was asked yesterday if Rodri would be available for Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Liverpool on Sunday. Based on Pep Guardiola’s answer it seems that Rodri won’t be available for Sunday’s huge Premier League fixture at the Etihad.

Rodri is highly unlikely to feature for Manchester City against Liverpool.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool, Pep Guardiola was asked if Rodri would be available for Sunday’s match. The Manchester City manager explained that Rodri is unlikely to return until after the upcoming international break. Speaking on Rodri’s availability for Sunday’s match, Pep Guardiola explained: “We will see tomorrow. I think we won’t take a risk ahead of the international break. We have to find the moment he feels strong and fit to sustain the actions in the game properly.”

“Still we are in November. And the best of the season is ahead of us and we need him.”

“We are playing without the Ballon d’Or winner of two seasons ago and a massively important player for us.”

“Nico is becoming a really good, important player.”

There is no need for Rodri to be risked against Liverpool.

Given the strong form of Nico, Manchester City can afford to be cautious with Rodri’s fitness and eventual return. That is the best approach for City to take with their midfield general. There is nothing to gain from City being impatient with Rodri’s fitness. They will not want to see one of their most important players injured for another prolonged period of time.

It is no surprise to see Rodri likely ruled out of tomorrow’s match against Liverpool. The bigger surprise would have been if he did feature in tomorrow’s game. It now seems that the Spanish international will have time to rest and recover over the international break.