Midfielder also a doubt for games against Southampton and Everton
Rodri will miss Manchester City’s Premier League trip to Burnley after suffering a groin injury, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
The midfielder, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, was forced off late in Sunday’s win over Arsenal after appearing to struggle with discomfort. He has since undergone medical checks but no definite timeline has been set for his return.
“I think for tomorrow he will not be ready,” Guardiola said in a pre-match press conference. “We’ll see for next games the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton or 12 days later for the Premier League game at Everton.”
Rodri’s absence also raises doubts about his availability for the upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, with the midfielder facing a race to be fit in time.
It is a big blow to City given that his return to full fitness had coincided with some of their best football in the past two years, culminating in their late charge for the title.
In his absence, Guardiola may turn to Nico Gonzalez, who replaced the 29-year-old when he came off against Arsenal. The City manager expressed confidence in the midfielder’s ability to step in, saying: “Nico Gonzalez helped us a lot in the absence of Rodri to be where we are now.”
