Pep Guardiola provides Rodri with an update and speculates on his anticipated return to Manchester City

Pep Guardiola, the esteemed manager of Manchester City, recently provided an update on the long-term injury of key midfielder Rodri, shedding light on his recovery and speculating about his anticipated return. Rodri, a crucial figure in Manchester City’s midfield, has been sorely missed, and his absence has greatly affected the team’s performance. This season, the club has struggled to maintain their dominance, with many fans and analysts attributing the challenges to the Spaniard’s injury.

Rodri has been sidelined since September 2024 with a severe knee injury, missing a large part of the season. His injury has been especially significant for Manchester City, as he is regarded as one of the top midfielders globally. Without him, the team has found it difficult to match the form that led them to multiple Premier League titles in recent years. This has been compounded by the resurgence of Liverpool, with the Merseyside club threatening to take the Premier League title from City, who have held it for the past four seasons.

Manchester City’s recent success has been based on a solid midfield, with Rodri often anchoring the team. His ability to control the game’s tempo, disrupt opposing attacks, and contribute defensively has made him indispensable. With his absence, the team has struggled to find similar balance in midfield. Statistical analysis indicates a notable decline in their win rate without him.

Before his injury in September, Manchester City’s win rate stood at 74.1%. However, since his injury, the team’s win rate has dropped to 61.9%, underscoring the importance of Rodri to their success. His ability to read the game, recover possession, and distribute effectively has been significantly missed, leaving a gap in the team’s midfield.

Despite these setbacks, Manchester City remains in contention for a Champions League spot, though their chances of securing another Premier League title seem slim. The absence of Rodri has been a key factor in their struggles, and fans are eagerly awaiting updates on his recovery and return.

Guardiola, known for his cautious approach to player recovery, provided further details on Rodri’s rehabilitation process. In an interview with Super Sport, Guardiola expressed his eagerness for the midfielder to return to full fitness, but acknowledged that the injury had been severe and the recovery difficult. Guardiola remarked, “I would be delighted to have him back soon, but it was a difficult injury. He has already been absent for six months, six months and a half.”

Although Rodri’s absence has been a setback, Guardiola remains optimistic about his gradual return to training. He emphasized that it is crucial to ensure Rodri is fully fit before reintroducing him to competitive play. “He has been sidelined for seven and a half to eight months due to an injury; however, he is gradually reintegrating into our team. This is a positive development,” Guardiola commented.

Given the severity of Rodri’s injury and the ongoing difficulties of the current season, Guardiola has suggested it may be wiser to ensure Rodri is fully ready for next season, rather than rushing him back for the final part of this campaign. With several squad changes expected in preparation for next season, including potential reinforcements, it may be best to treat Rodri’s return as a fresh start.

While Guardiola is hopeful that Rodri can contribute before the season ends, he is cautious about pushing him too hard. “It is important not to rush him back,” Guardiola reiterated, emphasizing the need for careful management of the player’s recovery. The manager also noted that Rodri’s return would be highly anticipated, but the main priority should be ensuring the midfielder is at his peak for the 2025/26 season, which is expected to be another competitive challenge for Manchester City.

Rodri’s influence at Manchester City is undeniable. Since his arrival from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he has quickly established himself as one of the world’s top defensive midfielders. His tactical awareness, ability to read the game, and versatility have made him a key player in Guardiola’s system. Rodri has been integral to the club’s success, helping them secure multiple titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

His importance is reflected in his consistent performances over the years, both defensively and in midfield control. His passing range, vision, and composure under pressure have made him an essential part of Guardiola’s tactics.

In his absence, Manchester City has struggled to maintain consistency in midfield. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva have stepped up, but neither can offer the same defensive discipline and technical ability that Rodri provides. The team has had to adapt, with Guardiola experimenting with various line-ups, but it’s evident that Manchester City is weaker without their star midfielder.

As Manchester City navigates a challenging season, Rodri’s return remains a focal point for the club and its fans. With hopes of winning the Premier League title fading, attention has shifted to securing a Champions League spot and preparing for the upcoming season. Guardiola’s cautious approach to Rodri’s rehabilitation underscores the importance of getting him back to full fitness rather than rushing him back for a few games this season.

Rodri’s recovery will be closely monitored, and Manchester City will likely prioritize ensuring he is fully prepared for the 2025/26 season. With the club expected to make changes to the squad in the summer, Rodri’s return could significantly boost Guardiola’s plans.

Meanwhile, Manchester City will rely on their remaining players to see them through the rest of the season. While it has been a tough year for the club, Rodri’s potential return next season provides hope for the future. Guardiola is known for building competitive teams, and with a fully fit Rodri, Manchester City will once again be a formidable force in English football.

Looking ahead, Manchester City’s prospects for the 2025/26 season are promising, provided they strengthen their squad and keep key players like Rodri fit. Guardiola’s tactical expertise and adaptability will be crucial in returning the club to its winning ways. Although this season has been difficult, the return of Rodri, alongside any new signings, could position Manchester City to mount a stronger challenge for the Premier League title next year.

Supporters are hopeful that the coming months will bring positive news, both in terms of Rodri’s recovery and the addition of new players who can help the club maintain its competitive edge. The future looks bright for Manchester City, and with Rodri back, they will be in a strong position to reclaim their place at the top of English football. For now, the focus remains on finishing the current season strong, with eyes set on a successful 2025/26 campaign.