Rodri Set to Miss Two Key Fixtures Amid Ongoing Hamstring Recovery
Manchester City midfielder Rodri will be absent from the squad for the upcoming matches against Villarreal and Aston Villa as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed. The setback comes at a critical point in City’s campaign as they balance domestic and European commitments.
Rodri’s Fitness Concerns Continue
The 29-year-old Spaniard was forced off during the first half of City’s narrow 1-0 victory over Brentford on October 5. Following the injury, Rodri withdrew from Spain’s squad for their recent World Cup qualifiers and has not returned to action since. He also missed Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri’s absence is particularly concerning given his influential role in City’s midfield and the team’s recent injury history. Guardiola, speaking to British media, emphasized caution over rushing the player back.
“I don’t think so for Villarreal or Aston Villa,” Guardiola said. “It’s not long, but it’s muscular and you have to be careful. We’ve tried so many times, we’ve tried to not take a risk, but we have not been able to manage that. So we will see.”
Champions League Return to Villarreal Without Rodri
City are set to travel to Spain for a UEFA Champions League group stage clash against Villarreal — notably Rodri’s former club — on Tuesday. His absence will be felt, especially against a side familiar with his style and strengths. Guardiola will need to rely on his midfield depth to compensate for the void left by the Spaniard.
Premier League Test Against Aston Villa Looms
Following their European fixture, City will return to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to Villa Park. With Arsenal currently leading the league by three points, the match represents a significant opportunity for City to close the gap. However, doing so without Rodri will be another challenge for the reigning champions.
City’s Title Push Faces Early Test
Manchester City currently sit second in the Premier League standings with 16 points from eight matches. With Arsenal three points clear at the top, every fixture carries weight — especially in the absence of key players like Rodri. Guardiola’s cautious approach to injury management could prove crucial in the long run, as City look to maintain form across multiple competitions.
