Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provided fitness update of several key players, including Rodri and Erling Haaland, ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Swansea City.
Despite the Spaniard returning to full training, City fans will have to wait a little longer before seeing their influential midfielder back on the pitch.
Rodri’s recovery still ongoing – Guardiola reveals
Rodri’s much-anticipated comeback will not happen in midweek as Guardiola confirmed that the midfielder is not yet ready to feature.
The 29-year-old has endured a difficult campaign plagued by fitness setbacks, beginning with a serious knee injury sustained over a year ago and now compounded by a hamstring issue picked up against Brentford earlier this month.
Having already missed the last three fixtures, Rodri’s absence will now stretch to a fourth as City travel to South Wales. Guardiola admitted that while progress has been made, rushing him back into action would be unwise given his recent history of muscle-related problems.
“Rodri still is not, he is getting better,” Guardiola told reporters during Tuesday’s pre-match briefing.
“Training with us. After what happened two times within the muscle, we’ll see. No [I don’t have an idea on when he will be available]. Hopefully soon, but not yet.”
Rodri’s influence in the middle of the park has been sorely missed in recent weeks. The reigning champions have lacked their usual rhythm and control without his presence, and Guardiola’s measured tone suggested that Manchester City are prioritising his long-term fitness over short-term gain.
City’s medical team have taken a cautious approach with their players this season, particularly after several setbacks in recent months.
The club understands the importance of ensuring Rodri is fully fit for the gruelling winter schedule, with crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures looming on the horizon.
Guardiola announces double fitness boost for ahead of Carabao Cup clash
Pep Guardiola provided fitness update and there was encouraging news elsewhere in the squad. Both Rayan Aït-Nouri and Abdukodir Khusanov are available for selection after returning from injury. Their availability provides Guardiola with much-needed depth ahead of a busy run of fixtures across domestic and European competitions.
Khusanov, who last featured in September’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal, has been sidelined for several weeks. Though he may not start at Swansea, Guardiola is considering giving the defender some minutes from the bench to aid his return to full match sharpness.
Aït-Nouri’s comeback will also be welcomed by the City boss, who was without the left-back in the recent 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park. The French-born Algerian has not played since August but is expected to travel with the squad to South Wales and could feature in some capacity.
With Guardiola known for his tactical flexibility, the return of Aït-Nouri and Khusanov offers valuable options in defence, especially as City continue to rotate their lineup to manage player workload.
In contrast, Erling Haaland is expected to sit out the trip to Swansea as part of Guardiola’s rotation strategy. The Norwegian striker collided with the post in the closing stages against Aston Villa but avoided serious injury.
Nevertheless, the manager confirmed that Haaland is likely to be rested regardless of his condition, allowing him to recover fully before the next Premier League fixture.
“I haven’t seen him today but it was a knock and day-by-day it is better,” Guardiola said. “Now we train this afternoon where we will find out more on how he feels and decide if he can play.”
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Haaland’s slight knock is not expected to cause any long-term concern, and Guardiola’s decision to rest his talisman reflects his trust in the depth of his squad.
With Omar Marmoush available and several young prospects pushing for minutes, City have the luxury of rotating without significantly weakening their attack.
The Carabao Cup has traditionally provided Guardiola with an opportunity to hand playing time to emerging talents while keeping his senior stars fresh for more demanding fixtures.
Wednesday’s encounter with Swansea is expected to follow that pattern, with several academy players likely to make the matchday squad.
