Manchester City’s hopes of welcoming Rodri back this weekend have been dashed, with Pep Guardiola confirming the midfielder will not feature against Sunderland. The Spaniard has struggled with persistent muscle issues since tearing his ACL last season and has played just one competitive minute of football since being forced off against Brentford on 5 October.
Rodri had been edging closer to a return after several weeks of rehabilitation, but Guardiola admitted the Ballon d’Or winner is still not ready for selection. His absence continues to be felt in City’s rhythm and control, with the champions alternating between tactical reshuffles and makeshift solutions in the midfield anchor role.
Asked whether Rodri could be available for Sunday’s trip to Sunderland, Guardiola was blunt: “No, but he is getting better.”
However, when pressed on whether the midfielder might return in time for City’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid next week, Guardiola offered only: “Ask me in Madrid.”
Rodri’s prolonged absence adds unease to City’s midfield picture
Rodri’s ACL recovery, followed by a suspected hamstring complication, has created a stop–start campaign that contrasts sharply with his usual reliability. Having followed City’s tactical evolution closely, the nuance is clear: Guardiola’s system is built around Rodri’s positional intelligence, tempo control and defensive coverage. Without him, City rely more heavily on improvisation in midfield — an approach that works, but less consistently.
Although some Spanish outlets have suggested he could be fast-tracked for the Real Madrid clash, other indicators point to caution. City do not want to repeat last season’s injury cycle, where Rodri’s heavy workload became unsustainable.
Guardiola praises Rayan Aït-Nouri but explains lack of minutes
While Rodri’s situation remains uncertain, Guardiola was more forthcoming about Rayan Aït-Nouri, who has barely featured since his summer move from Wolves. The Algerian looked promising at the Club World Cup, playing the first two matches before suffering a minor injury.
Since then, teenage breakout star Nico O’Reilly has kept him out of the side.
“Rayan played really well at the Club World Cup… After that Nico O’Reilly has played really well. That is the only reason. No other.” — Pep Guardiola
Guardiola stressed that Aït-Nouri remains firmly in his plans:
“We are really pleased with Rayan and he is going to help us. He knows the Premier League and he can play outside and inside.”
He also hinted that O’Reilly may eventually require rotation:
“Maybe he will get a rest, but I don’t know when. He is young… he recovers well.”
A nuanced interpretation here is that Guardiola values continuity for young players when they’re in form, but squad energy levels — which he called out after the loss to Bayer Leverkusen — may soon force changes.
Key insights
- Rodri ruled out of Sunderland game; Guardiola non-committal about Real Madrid return.
- The midfielder has played just one minute since October due to ongoing hamstring recovery.
- Aït-Nouri expected to get chances but is behind in-form teen Nico O’Reilly.
- Guardiola stresses squad fatigue after Leverkusen defeat; rotations likely.
- City continue managing Rodri cautiously to avoid recurrence of last season’s overload.
What’s Next?
Manchester City now prepare for Saturday’s clash with Sunderland before travelling to Spain for a decisive Champions League showdown with Real Madrid. Rodri will not feature this weekend, but his status for Europe remains unresolved — and could become the defining storyline of City’s month. Aït-Nouri, meanwhile, is expected to be in the squad as Guardiola weighs up rotation to protect energy levels in a congested December schedule.
👉 Should City risk fast-tracking Rodri for Real Madrid, or prioritise long-term fitness and keep him sidelined?
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