Pep Guardiola has revealed that midfielder Rodri may not return to full fitness in time to start for Manchester City until mid-September. The 29-year-old, who is a Ballon d’Or winner, has already faced challenges returning to the pitch after spending a significant portion of the previous season sidelined with a knee injury.
Rodri will miss the upcoming pre-season friendly against Palermo due to ongoing issues with a groin injury sustained during the Club World Cup match against Al-Hilal last month. Guardiola emphasized that he is not going to rush his comeback, indicating that Rodri will likely play as a substitute in City’s opening three matches of the season, which include fixtures against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
If his rehabilitation progresses as expected, Rodri is anticipated to make his first start of the season in the highly-anticipated Manchester derby against Manchester United on September 14. This cautious approach towards his recovery speaks to the club’s commitment to ensuring he is fully fit before returning to action.
This situation also highlights the depth of City’s squad, as they have other players who can step up during Rodri’s absence. The team looks forward to having him back, especially for the crucial encounters ahead in the season. The hope is that Rodri’s gradual return will significantly strengthen City’s midfield and contribute to their pursuit of more silverware.