Pep Guardiola has admitted that Rodri may not be fully fit to feature in Sunday’s Premier League showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City. The midfielder is still regaining confidence after a serious knee injury, raising concerns about his availability for the high-stakes fixture at the Emirates.
Rodri Fitness Concerns Before Arsenal vs Man City
Rodri, the current Ballon d’Or winner, spent eight months sidelined last season with an ACL injury. He also suffered a setback during the summer’s Club World Cup, which has delayed his full recovery.
The Spanish midfielder returned to action against Manchester United, playing the majority of City’s 3-0 win, and then started the Champions League clash with Napoli, where he asked to be substituted after 60 minutes.
Guardiola revealed that Rodri reported discomfort in training and during the Napoli match. The City boss admitted the decision on whether the midfielder plays against Arsenal will be made on Sunday.
“Of course he comes from a tough, tough injury – we have to be alert and we will decide on Sunday how he feels,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola Praises Rodri but Highlights Recovery Process
Guardiola acknowledged Rodri’s mentality and self-belief but stressed that knee injuries require patience.
“With the greatest players I have trained, confidence is here,” he said, pointing to his head. “But the knee needs its own process. As long as we are patient, he will be back at his best.”
Missing Rodri would be a major setback for City, who were heavily beaten 5-1 on their last Premier League trip to the Emirates.
Guardiola Takes Playful Dig at Arteta Over Arsenal Spending
Guardiola also had a light-hearted message for his former assistant Mikel Arteta, joking that Arsenal’s summer spending spree of around £250 million was the main reason for their rise.
“Only I want to say to my friend Mikel Arteta, if he wins the title, it will just be because he spent a lot, not because he works a lot or his players,” Guardiola quipped with a smile.
The City boss insisted his comments were tongue-in-cheek but admitted that Arsenal have built one of Europe’s strongest squads.
Arsenal vs Manchester City: A Pivotal Premier League Battle
Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Liverpool and three ahead of eighth-placed City. With both teams under pressure to close the gap at the top, Sunday’s Arsenal vs Man City match could have a huge impact on the title race.
Whether Rodri is fit enough to start could prove decisive in what promises to be one of the season’s most thrilling fixtures.
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