A major concern for Manchester City has seemingly been put to bed | OneFootball

Before Manchester City beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium last night, there was a major concern to arise when Manchester City’s starting lineup and matchday squad were announced. Rodri wasn’t selected in City’s squad for the match. Given the severity of Rodri’s injury last season, it does feel like a cause for concern when the suspicion arises that Rodri has suffered a fresh injury.

Speaking before his team beat Borussia Dortmund last night, Pep Guardiola explained why Rodri missed last night’s match. On top of Pep Guardiola’s explanation on the Rodri situation, Nico’s performance last night again showed that City can afford to be patient with Rodri’s fitness.

Pep Guardiola explained why Rodri wasn’t selected in the Manchester City squad last night.

In quotes relayed by Alex James for Manchester Evening News, Pep Guardiola explained why Rodri didn’t feature in last night’s match. The Manchester City manager said that Manchester City’s midfield general isn’t feeling at his best fitness-wise. Guardiola explained: “He (Rodri) doesn’t feel perfect, so that’s why we don’t take a risk. He will come back… this little, little, little setback makes me realise everything, that we need a little more time to feel good and play football – doesn’t matter if he plays good or bad – knowing that he’s fine and he will not be out for a while.”

Rodri’s stop-start beginning to the season is frustrating for the Ballon d’Or winner. When he has been fit, he has shown that he can return to his best. But his return has been hampered by minor fitness issues throughout this season. That was to be expected given the serious ACL injury Rodri suffered last season. While it is frustrating for Rodri to continue suffering minor setbacks, based on Pep Guardiola’s statement, it does seem that Rodri’s fresh fitness concern is a minor one.

Nico has performed superbly to ease any pressure on Rodri returning before he is ready.

The major positive to come out of Rodri’s fitness issues is that Nico has had an opportunity to grow into the role that Manchester City’s midfield general has made his own. It is to Nico’s enormous credit that he has grown into the role, and rather than simply being a Rodri backup, the Spanish midfielder has added his own strengths and style to the role. Nico played superbly against Bournemouth, and he played well against Borussia Dortmund last night. He has become an essential player in the City squad, and his strong form has taken any pressure off Rodri to return before he is ready.

Pep Guardiola’s statement on Rodri’s fitness does give the impression that Manchester City’s midfield general isn’t facing a prolonged period on the sidelines. That is welcome news for Manchester City. While Rodri bids to return to full fitness, he can take his time knowing that Nico has stepped up and is now more than capable of leading the Manchester City midfield.