Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that two key midfielders will be unavailable for their Premier League visit to Newcastle United on Saturday, dealing the Sky Blues a selection setback as the title race continues to intensify.
Guardiola revealed that Rodri and Mateo Kovacic’s injury situation remains the same and both will miss the match even though the pair at different stages of their recovery.
While City remain firm contenders for the league crown, these absences add to the challenges of navigating a demanding fixture list during a crucial phase of the season.
The City manager explained that Rodri—who has been managing recurring physical issues in recent months—has shown promising progress but is still not ready to return to the side.
Kovacic, meanwhile, faces a much longer spell on the sidelines following a second operation in the space of a few months.
Despite these setbacks, City travel to Tyneside determined to maintain momentum, with Guardiola insisting that the squad remains strong enough to compete.
Rodri still “not ready” as Guardiola turns to González
Guardiola offered a detailed assessment of Rodri and Mateo Kovacic’s injury, particularly Rodri’s condition, acknowledging that while the Spain international has edged closer to full fitness, the medical team will not rush his comeback.
The midfielder has been central to Manchester City’s success in recent seasons, and the club is expected to manage his recovery with caution to avoid any further complications.
Rodri has been one of the most influential figures in Guardiola’s setup, orchestrating play from deep and providing defensive balance.
However, his recurring muscle problems have forced the club to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on long-term stability rather than short-term risk.
According to Guardiola, Rodri’s trajectory remains positive but not sufficient for him to take part against Eddie Howe’s side.
With City facing a physically demanding Newcastle team renowned for their high-energy pressing, the risk of fielding a partially fit player appeared too significant.
In Rodri’s absence, Nico González is expected to step into the role. González has enjoyed an outstanding season so far, earning praise for his composure, ball-winning ability, and growing influence on the team’s rhythm.
His rise has come at an opportune moment, giving Guardiola a reliable option in a position where City have often struggled without their established first-choice midfielder. Guardiola emphasised the importance of managing Rodri’s recovery process carefully.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “Everybody is fit except for Kova and Rodri.
“Rodri is making good steps, it’s almost three weeks since the last step back. He knows that he has to take the time to recover mentally and especially physically with the problems that he’s had, to be consistent from now until the end.”
These remarks underline Guardiola’s insistence on patience, ensuring that Rodri is not thrown back into action until he is fully prepared both physically and mentally.
The manager has previously spoken about the demands placed on players in modern football, and his comments reflect a growing emphasis on holistic recovery rather than simply returning to training.
Kovacic out until next year after second surgery
While Rodri is moving closer to full fitness, Mateo Kovacic faces a far more prolonged absence. The Croatian midfielder recently underwent his second surgical procedure in just a few months, leaving him unavailable for the rest of the calendar year.
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Kovacic, who joined City to provide additional depth and ball-carrying quality in midfield, had already missed significant periods of the season.
His latest setback comes as a major blow, with the recovery timeline pushing his expected return to around February 2026.
The midfielder’s injury issues have prevented him from building consistent form in Manchester, and this extended layoff will only add to his frustration.
Guardiola, however, has continued to express confidence in Kovacic’s eventual return, highlighting his professionalism and determination to overcome the setback.
For now, City will look to adapt using the squad depth available. The club has historically navigated injury-ridden periods with strong rotations. Therefore, Guardiola will likely turn to a combination of González, Bernardo Silva, and others in advanced or deep-lying roles, depending on the tactical needs at St James’ Park.
