Pep Guardiola offers Rodri injury update ahead of crucial title run-in | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola hopes talismanic midfielder Rodri will be back from injury in time for Manchester City’s game against Brentford on Saturday.

The Spaniard has been missing since picking up a groin injury in the 2-1 win over Arsenal on 19 April, with City suffering in his absence as they dropped crucial points at Everton on Monday.

Guardiola said he hoped the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner would pass a fitness test later on Friday in time for their next Premier League game, when they face Europe-chasing Brentford at the Etihad.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: “He made a little problem and still he doesn't feel completely comfortable. When he will be ready and fit and come back - this afternoon, hopefully - he will come back. We will see this afternoon.

“We have survived without him for many months. He still doesn't feel completely comfortable.”

Rodri has missed the last three matches for City, who managed to win the first two, but looked unbalanced as they drew 3-3 with Everton last time out - with Jeremy Doku’s last-minute equaliser salvaging a point.

Guardiola refused to say the defeat was down to the influential Rodri’s absence. He said: “It does not depend on him. We gave it away but not because Rodri was not there.”

He confirmed that defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias are back in training after long-term injuries, saying: “Last season [Gvardiol] was the important player for us and he played many games. Happy he is back and hopefully he can help ‌us in the final part of the ‌season.”

City are five points off table-toppers Arsenal with a game in hand, but that draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium meant momentum in the title race swung back towards the Gunners, who know a first Premier League trophy in 22 years is within their grasp.

Guardiola added: “It has been a long time since [last City last played a home game]. I think it was Arsenal.

“I love to play at home. Hopefully the fans can come and put pressure on Arsenal. That is all we can do.”

Guardiola also said that the club was close to agreeing a new deal for Phil Foden, whose current contract is set to expire in 2027. He said: “I asked my sporting director. He said they are close and hopefully it is going to happen. It is not done [yet].”