Manchester City could be without two key players as they prepare to return to Premier League action against Everton on Saturday afternoon. Reports suggest both Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov missed training and remain doubts ahead of the crucial fixture at the Etihad Stadium, posing early selection concerns for Pep Guardiola following the October international break.
The Premier League champions will resume their domestic campaign after a two-week pause, but Guardiola’s preparations have already been disrupted by injury concerns involving two important members of his squad.
Rodri’s possible absence, in particular, would represent a significant blow to City’s stability in midfield — an area where the Spaniard’s influence has been immense over recent seasons.
Rodri has been a central figure in Manchester City’s success, known for his composure, tactical discipline, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches.
His presence has often been described as the heartbeat of Guardiola’s midfield, providing defensive balance and control in possession. Guardiola himself has frequently acknowledged Rodri’s importance in keeping City organised both on and off the ball.
Meanwhile, Abdukodir Khusanov — the young Uzbek defender who joined City earlier this year — continues his recovery from an issue that has restricted his playing time this season.
Despite being short of full fitness, the 20-year-old has reportedly impressed City’s coaching staff with his maturity, technical ability, and adaptation to the English game. The club views him as a long-term investment for their defensive line, and his gradual integration has been carefully managed.
Rodri’s Recovery Concerns After Recent Surgery
According to MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, Rodri was not present during Manchester City’s group training session on Thursday afternoon, as the squad returned to work at the City Football Academy following the international break.
The midfielder is currently recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in City’s 1–0 defeat to Brentford before the break — a match in which he was forced off during the first half.
That injury came at a crucial time for Guardiola, with City’s rhythm already affected by a congested fixture list. The loss to Brentford exposed just how vital Rodri is to maintaining control in midfield, and the absence of his defensive awareness and distribution has often coincided with City’s rare off-days.
Sky Sports’ Ben Ransom also reported that Khusanov did not take part in Thursday’s session, as the Uzbekistan international continues his recovery plan. While the defender is making steady progress, he is still working to reach full training ground fitness before being considered for selection.
The news that both Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov missed training will come as a concern for Guardiola, who has previously had to manage long spells without Rodri.
During the Spaniard’s knee injury last season, Manchester City struggled to replicate his positional intelligence and ball progression. Attempts to fill the void with alternatives such as Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, and later youngster Nico Gonzalez produced mixed outcomes.
Guardiola’s tactical system depends heavily on Rodri’s ability to break up play and transition possession smoothly — a role that few can execute with the same consistency.
As for Khusanov, his situation is less urgent due to City’s considerable squad depth. The coaching staff have been cautious not to rush his return, prioritising long-term fitness over short-term gain.
Should he complete his recovery soon, the expectation is that he could challenge for the right-back position on a permanent basis, with the versatility to slot into central defence when required.
Guardiola Faces Selection Dilemmas
Manchester City’s medical staff will continue to monitor both Rodri and Khusanov closely over the next 48 hours. Guardiola’s pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon is expected to provide greater clarity on their availability for the Everton clash.
Any update will be significant, as City look to maintain momentum in the title race amid growing competition at the top of the table.
Should both players be unavailable, Guardiola may be forced into tactical adjustments. In Rodri’s absence, Nico Gonzalez could be deployed in the holding midfield role — a responsibility that demands tactical awareness, composure, and discipline.
The Spaniard has shown promise in training but lacks the experience and control that Rodri brings. Alternatively, Guardiola could turn to Mateo Kovacic or Matheus Nunes, both of whom have featured in deep-lying roles in previous fixtures.
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At right-back, Rico Lewis or Matheus Nunes could be considered as temporary options if Khusanov fails to prove his fitness in time. Lewis, who has become a versatile asset capable of operating in both defence and midfield, offers tactical flexibility — something Guardiola has always valued in his squad selections.
Despite these concerns, City’s strong squad depth and adaptability under Guardiola have often allowed them to manage difficult situations.
The Catalan manager’s ability to rotate players and reimagine tactical structures has been key to sustaining success across multiple competitions. However, the loss of Rodri, in particular, would still represent a major test for City’s midfield resilience.
