Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered the latest on the fitness of several first-team players ahead of Monday’s Premier League visit to Everton, with midfield linchpin Rodri among those still being assessed.
City approach the fixture with momentum but not without concern, as injuries have disrupted Guardiola’s preferred selections in recent weeks.
The absence of key figures has tested the depth of the squad, and the manager acknowledged that the situation remains fluid as they prepare for another crucial league outing.
Rodri, widely regarded as one of City’s most influential players, has been sidelined for the club’s last two matches.
The Spain international did not feature in the narrow 1-0 league win over Burnley and was also absent during the FA Cup semi-final clash with Southampton at Wembley.
His presence in midfield has often been central to City’s control and rhythm, making his availability a major talking point ahead of the Everton encounter.
Providing an update during his pre-match press conference, Guardiola indicated that while progress has been made, the midfielder has yet to fully reintegrate into team training.
“He’s getting better. Still he didn’t train with us, so we will see in the next days,” he said.
The City manager stopped short of offering a definitive timeline for Rodri’s return but struck an optimistic tone when asked if he’s confident the midfielder could start against Everton
“Always I’m confident,” he said.
Those words reflect Guardiola’s consistent belief in his squad’s recovery process, though the final decision on Rodri’s involvement is likely to depend on his condition closer to matchday.
Rodri’s importance and Guardiola’s cautious optimism
Rodri’s absence has been felt not just in terms of defensive stability but also in City’s ability to dictate the tempo of matches.
Known for his composure under pressure and positional awareness, the midfielder has become a cornerstone of Guardiola’s system. Without him, City have had to adapt, relying on alternative combinations to maintain their usual level of control.
Despite this, Guardiola has managed the situation carefully, avoiding unnecessary risks with player fitness.
His comments suggest that while Rodri is on the mend, the club will not rush his return prematurely. This measured approach has been a hallmark of Guardiola’s tenure, particularly during the latter stages of demanding campaigns.
City’s depth has allowed them to remain competitive even when key players are missing, but the potential return of Rodri would provide a significant boost.
Against an Everton side known for its physicality and organisation, having a player of his calibre available—even if not fully match-fit—could prove decisive.
Dias ruled out as defensive concerns linger
While there is some encouragement regarding Rodri, the outlook is less positive for Ruben Dias. The central defender, who has been a key figure in City’s backline, will not be part of the squad for the trip to Goodison Park.
Guardiola confirmed that Dias is still working his way back to full fitness and is not yet ready to rejoin the team setup.
“He’s not yet with the team, but he’s getting better”
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The Portuguese international’s absence continues a challenging spell for City’s defence, which has also been affected by injuries to Josko Gvardiol.
Gvardiol has missed several matches in recent months while dealing with a longer-term issue, though there are signs of progress in his recovery.
Guardiola offered a brief but encouraging update on both players, suggesting that improvements are being made behind the scenes.
“Josko [Gvardiol], and Rodri. They’re better.”
As City prepare for the trip to Merseyside, the focus remains on maintaining consistency despite the injury setbacks.
Guardiola’s side have shown resilience in recent weeks, but the potential return of key players like Rodri—and eventually Dias and Gvardiol—could strengthen their push as the campaign enters its decisive phase.
