Pep Guardiola reveals Man City injury latest after Rodri substitution | OneFootball

The Spaniard is still working his way back to full fitness after a long period on the sidelines

Pep Guardiola has confirmed Rodri is fit for Manchester City’s trip to Brentford this weekend.

Rodri, who missed the 5-1 win over Burnley as a precaution over a knee injury, returned to the Man City squad against Monaco in midweek and started the Champions League fixture.

“We will train this afternoon but it looks good, everybody finished [against Monaco] without any problems.

“Rodri could not play three days before because his knee was in a bad condition.

“That’s why Nico in those [last] 30 minutes [against Monaco], he was the player that won more balls recovered, and we concede less in the transition, than when Rodri was playing in the first half.

Rodri cannot play in certain moments and 90 minutes for many games and Nico played really good against Burnley and he’s learning and improving. We need him

Pep Guardiola

“I’d love to tell you yes because Rodri wasn’t on the pitch we conceded the goal but I can’t prove that because if I felt it, Rodri would be on the pitch.

“Rodri cannot play in certain moments and 90 minutes for many games and Nico played really good against Burnley and he’s learning and improving. We need him.

“Rodri can’t sustain yet the rhythm for games for 90 minutes, he made an incredible effort in the week with Manchester United, Napoli and especially Arsenal.

“I try to protect my players. Sometimes I want the best players there but I have to protect the players.”

Omar Marmoush hasn’t played for Man City since the 2-1 loss to Brighton before the September international break.

The forward suffered an injury while on international duty with Egypt last month, causing him to miss six games across all competitions - including the Manchester derby.

It remains to be seen if Marmoush will be involved against the Bees, but Guardiola previously earmarked a return for the 26-year-old before the October international break.

He said: "A few weeks, I think, before the next international break he will be ready."

Doubtful: Omar Marmoush

Getty Images

Man City will be without summer signing Rayan Cherki despite his return to training earlier than expected.

“It’s so risky because next time it’s surgery, next time it’s four or five months,” Guardiola said of Cherki earlier in the week.

“And I don’t want to take a risk in that game on Sunday. After we have two weeks to fully recover by training alone, with the EDS, with the team, and he will be ready.

“Rayan Cherki has a special quality in a tight game, in the final third, with his vision and pass which is difficult to find. That is why it’s important for him to come back and not make a step back.”