Guardiola shares Rodri fitness concern and backs Nico Gonzalez | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola admits Rodri is unable to play 90 minutes consistently at the moment.

The Spaniard missed the 5-1 win over Burnley last weekend because of pain in his knee, having previously suffered an ACL injury which kept him out for much of last season.

He was also taken off after an hour of City’s Champions League draw with Monaco on Wednesday.

But Guardiola is confident Nico Gonzalez can step up while the former Ballon d’Or winner’s fitness is being managed.

“Rodri could not play three days before (the Monaco game) because his knee was in a bad, bad, bad condition so that’s why,” Guardiola said.

“Nico Gonzalez in the 30 minutes he played had the most ball recoveries. We concede less transitions and conceded more in the first half when Rodri was playing.

“I would love to tell you yes it’s because Rodri was not on the pitch we conceded the goal but I cannot prove that because if I felt it, Rodri would be on the pitch.

“Rodri cannot play 90 minutes for many, many games. Nico played really good against Burnley. He’s learning and improving and we need him because Kovacic is not ready and Rodri cannot sustain yet the rhythm for games and games for 90 minutes.

“He made an incredible effort the week against United, Napoli and Arsenal. I try to protect my players.”

City have been handed a fitness boost, however, with Guardiola hopeful that everyone who played against Monaco is fit to face Brentford on Sunday.

“We’ll train this afternoon but it looks good. Everybody finished without problems,” he said.