Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has expressed caution over midfielder Rodri’s fitness as the team prepares for its Champions League group stage clash against AS Monaco. Rodri, who was instrumental in the team’s success before his unfortunate injuries, has yet to reach a level of fitness that would allow him to handle playing three matches a week.
The Spanish midfielder returned to action in May after recovering from a serious knee ligament injury that kept him out for eight months. However, he encountered another setback with a groin injury during the Club World Cup in July. Since the start of the current season, Rodri has only taken to the field in four matches, most recently missing out on the squad in City’s 5-1 victory over Burnley.
Guardiola, when asked about Rodri’s current status, mentioned that while Rodri feels better, he still cannot sustain the intensity required for top-level football across multiple matches in one week. The recovery process from such significant injuries, as Guardiola noted, typically takes a year.
In a display of squad depth, Guardiola looks to his newly appointed captain, Bernardo Silva, whose leadership and adaptability highlight his value to the team. Silva, returning to Monaco, where he achieved Ligue 1 glory in 2017, has consistently demonstrated skill and intelligence on the pitch, earning plaudits from Guardiola for his leadership qualities.
The ongoing challenges with player fitness underscore broader concerns within football regarding the strain of packed schedules on athlete health. Similar discussions were sparked last season when Rodri voiced apprehensions about the demanding fixture lists, and former players have echoed these sentiments. The impact of heavy workloads has been highlighted as a critical issue, affecting players’ mental and physical well-being.
As Manchester City focus on strategic squad rotations to manage player workloads, there remains an optimism around their capability to maintain competitive performances both domestically and in Europe. While Rodri’s full return is eagerly anticipated, City’s squad continues to display resilience, emphasizing teamwork and strategic management amid a challenging season.