Rodri Hernández’s serious injury, involving a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee, has greatly impacted Manchester City since it occurred on September 22, 2024. The absence of such a pivotal player has left Coach Pep Guardiola in a challenging position, resulting in what has been described as the club’s worst season across all competitions. Guardiola acknowledges that the pain from Rodri’s injury cannot be simply healed by his return; a gradual process of adaptation is necessary.
In recent comments, Guardiola stated, “He played more than 30 minutes today and did well. He can’t play more; he still struggles a bit with contacts and duels. It’s normal; he is recovering from an 11 to 12-month injury, so it’s important that he improves with each game.”
Meanwhile, the Juventus team has regained momentum with two significant victories over weaker opponents, positioning them strongly within Group G, highlighting a crucial upcoming match against Manchester City. Guardiola has used the Club World Cup to relieve pressure on a squad going through regeneration after a challenging previous season.
The team has bolstered its ranks with new signings like Rayan Aït‑Nouri from Wolves, Ryan Cherki from Olympique Lyon, and Tijjani Reijnders from Milan. However, the most critical reinforcement for Guardiola remains Rodri’s recovery. The investment in new players amounts to over 300 million since Rodri’s injury, yet his return is viewed as the most vital reinforcement.
Rodri, who underwent surgery by renowned Real Madrid physician Dr. Manuel Reyes, faced a complex operation that involved reconstructing his damaged knee structure to prevent future injuries. Guardiola is now managing Rodri’s return cautiously, taking into account the significant risk of re-injury and the long recovery process, especially given the association between anterior cruciate ligament injuries and meniscal tears.
Rodri has made a brief return in a recent Premier League match, but the continued focus is on ensuring he doesn’t rush his recovery. His importance to Manchester City’s style of play is unmatched, as he remains a central figure in their tactical setup. Guardiola understands that pressing Rodri too hard could lead to more complications, emphasizing the necessity of a careful reintegration into full match fitness.
Ultimately, while the season has posed challenges for Manchester City, there is a sense of hope for resurgence as Rodri works towards regaining his form. With patience and careful management, he could once again become the key player they rely on to compete at the highest levels, reigniting their ambitions in both domestic and international competitions.