Manchester City ‘state of emergency’ declared last week – ‘Doubts and suspicions’ now relaxed | OneFootball

A new report in Spain has referred to a ‘state of emergency’ declared last week at Manchester City surrounding the fitness of star midfielder Rodri.

The Spain international has been the subject of intense focus since returning from the serious ACL injury that sidelined him for the majority of last season, with Rodri experiencing pain in the same knee that caused his lengthy absence last week and forcing an absence against Burnley.

Rodri had only just begun re-establishing himself as a central figure in Manchester City’s midfield, having featured in demanding fixtures against Manchester United, Napoli, and Arsenal across a congested week.

Pep Guardiola has been vocal about the need to manage the 29-year-old carefully, stressing both his importance to the squad and the risks of pushing him too hard in his ongoing recovery towards relentless action across a 10 month season.

According to the information of Spanish newspaper AS, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Rodri’s knee is ‘progressing perfectly’ and there is said to be no concern within Manchester City.

It is however said that a ‘state of emergency’ had been declared last week when the Spaniard was ruled out of action against Burnley, and in light of Pep Guardiola’s admission that Rodri had discomfort in the same knee he had injured last season.

But the report insists that ‘there is no drama, far from it’, with his absence on Saturday all part of the plan as club medical staff ‘manage the accumulated workload’ picked up in successive outings against Manchester United, Napoli and Arsenal within the space of a week.

Any ‘doubts and suspicions’ have been dispelled at the club, according to AS, and Rodri could even start against AS Monaco away from home in Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League contest.

Such reassurances will provide a significant boost for Pep Guardiola, who recently emphasised how “desperate” Rodri is to play and how much his leadership and quality mean to Manchester City.

Supporters will be relieved that the Spaniard’s discomfort has not developed into a recurrence of last season’s ACL issue, particularly with such a demanding fixture list ahead albeit with an international break on the horizon.

Looking forward, Manchester City’s management of Rodri’s minutes will likely remain cautious, with Pep Guardiola balancing his desire to see the midfielder dominate games with the long-term need to protect his health.

The club’s expected contract discussions with the player also reflect just how central Rodri is to the project at the Etihad Stadium, even as Manchester City perhaps simultaneously explore future midfield options to succeed one of their greatest-ever player.