Guardiola gives updates on Rodri, Kovacic and O’Reilly | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says Rodri will be unavailable for our trip to Villarreal and added that he wants to be careful with Mateo Kovacic following his return from an Achilles injury.

Rodri, who was out for much of last season with a knee injury, was forced off in our victory over Brentford before the international break.

He missed Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Everton as an Erling Haaland double fired us up to second in the Premier League table.

Guardiola does not expect the Spain international to be out for long but does not expect him to be involved in the upcoming week's fixtures.

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“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if Rodri would be available for our 20;00 (UK) kick-off on Tuesday in the Champions League.

“Aston Villa I don’t think so either. It’s not long but it’s muscular.

“We have to be careful. We tried many times to prevent another injury but we have not been able to do that so we will see.”

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There was positive squad news from the win over Everton with Rayan Cherki and Kovacic returning to the pitch after suffering setbacks.

For Kovacic, it was his first minutes since undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury in the summer.

Guardiola was impressed by his first performance back as he and fellow substitute Bernardo Silva helped keep City’s control of the game.

“He has a special quality with the ball to keep it but we cannot forget that he has come from surgery and had three or four months injured,” the boss said.

“I don’t want Kovacic for 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes. In time, he will get it but I don’t have the feeling that he is ready to play it now.

“For 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, Kova with Bernie and the older players, they are extraordinary, they are fantastic.”

Nico O’Reilly was also again impressive against the Toffees, claiming the assist for Haaland’s opener at the start of the second half.

He was replaced late in the game, shortly after receiving treatment on the pitch, but Guardiola is hopeful he will be okay for our European trip.

“I think it’s a knock,” Pep added. “We will see but I don’t think it will be dangerous.”