Rodri will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup semifinal against Southampton this weekend, but manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday that he was cautiously optimistic about the midfielder’s return.
The 29-year-old, who missed more than seven months after a cruciate ligament tear in 2024 and has suffered multiple knee and hamstring injuries this season, was forced off during City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday.
He also missed City’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Wednesday, which took Guardiola’s side to the top of the Premier League table, ahead of Arsenal on goals scored.
“He’s better,” Guardiola told reporters, but said the club would not rush the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner back.
“We don’t want to take a risk, because if he gets injured, we could lose him for the next five games. Rodri is so important.”
Guardiola said rotation and recovery would be key in the final weeks of the season, with City aiming to secure the league title along with the FA Cup as it looks to complete a domestic treble, having won the League Cup last month.
“It was so demanding, the game against Arsenal, emotionally. The players were so tired, and they travelled for hours,” the manager said.
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“It’s easier because we have many players available. Apart from Ruben Dias, Rodri and Josko Gvardiol, the rest are fit. But of course, you feel it is the final push.
“The question is whether they will be ready to play 90 minutes, or even extra time, with a lot of players who have heavy minutes in their legs. That is the question.”
Guardiola said his players were pleased to be leading the title race but remained focused on Saturday’s game against Southampton.
“They are happy. The players who don’t play as much, not so much. We are just focusing on the game tomorrow,” he said.
“Tomorrow will be a big day. There are many thoughts, but we will see tomorrow.”
Published on Apr 24, 2026