Pep: We have missed Rodri so much - but he will be back to help us | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says it’s impossible to quantify how much City have missed the impact of ‘irreplaceable’ Rodri – but insisted the former 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will still have a vital role to play this term.

Men's Team

When is the 2025/26 FA Cup third round draw?

City’s key holding midfielder is still working his way back to fitness after having sustained a hamstring injury in October’s 1-0 Premier League win at Brentford.

Prior to that, the Spanish international had effectively missed the best part of a year after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal in September 2024.

For Guardiola and City, the loss of such a talismanic figure has been a big blow to overcome– with the 29-year-old again set to be absent for Saturday’s Premier League home clash against Sunderland.

CHRISTMAS, TOGETHER

However, the Etihad boss says Rodri is not being rushed back to action to ensure that he returns fully fit and healthy, looking to the long term, which has governed his recovery and rehabilitation process.

“Do you know how much we miss him?” Pep asked at Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Black Cats clash.

“Playing without the best player in the world two seasons ago, our main player when we won the Treble, playing 70 games, for one year and a half without him?

Men's Team

One Moment in Time: Pep’s City debut

“We want him back here right now and he is suffering and wants to come back but I want to protect him.

“Minimise the risks. This is what we want. He wants and I want and the medical team want him to return.

“Tell me one team without the best player for a year and half not here - they would all suffer.

CITY v SUNDERLAND | MATCH PREVIEW

“Rodri is another level of a player when he plays.

“If he came on for the last 20 minutes v Fulham [in midweek] and just his presence without even touching the ball for the next 10 players [they would feel] safe and they play better even if he doesn’t touch the ball.

“Just for the fact he’s there.

“We haven’t had it for one year and a half.

SIGN IN FOR FREE ACCESS

Sign in to watch

Don’t have an account? Register now

Men's Team

Analysing Sunderland ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash

“There are players who are irreplaceable - not just because of how good they play but how they create [time and space for] the other ones.

“The other ones say: ‘Oh I have Rodri there’. He knows the space, when to break… and its unique.

“I want him desperately now for Real Madrid or the next game.

“But I want to be sure and when he comes back, he has to make a pre-season.

CITY v SUNDERLAND | BUY TICKETS

“When you have an injury like an ACL the body is completely different.

“But I want him [back] absolutely.”

As well as the physical challenges involved in coming back from such an extended period out, Guardiola also acknowledged it had been tough at times mentally too for Rodri.

SIGN IN FOR FREE ACCESS

Sign in to watch

Don’t have an account? Register now

Men's Team

City v Sunderland programme: Erling Haaland special focus in Saturday’s edition

But he insisted with more than half the season still to go – and the small matter of next summer’s World Cup finals also to look forward – Rodri’s importance and impact would prove priceless.

“Of course, he’s strong though some moments he’s sad. I would not be happy if he was not sad or concerned,” Pep added.

“What would you do as a player or a journalist if for 18 months you couldn’t do your job. Tell me how would you feel?

“You want to write and inspire and you can’t. How do you feel? You’d feel bad.

“It’s the last step. He’s on the verge to come back [but] don’t make one step forward to go one thousand steps backwards.

“The season is still in front of us. Ahead of us are many nice things to live for and he has to be there, and he will be there.

“There is a World Cup [also to look forward to] and as much as he recovers for now, it’s [more] for the end of the season and for next season too.”

Limited City v Sunderland tickets available

Limited tickets remain for qualifying members for City’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 6 December.

Sitting second in the table, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to keep pressure on league leaders Arsenal as we approach the halfway point of the campaign.

The newly promoted Black Cats will provide a stern test having enjoyed a fabulous return to the top-flight so far.

This is in fact the first Etihad meeting between the sides since Pep’s very first game in charge of City all the way back in 2016!

Get your seats now!

Buy tickets here