Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared a detailed update on the recovery of key midfielder Rodri, who has been out with a serious knee injury since September 2024. Rodri’s absence has had a significant impact on City’s performance this season, as the team has struggled to replicate the dominance of past campaigns. Many fans and analysts attribute this decline largely to the Spaniard’s injury.
Before suffering the injury, Rodri was central to City’s success, anchoring the midfield with his exceptional defensive capabilities, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the game’s tempo. As one of the best midfielders in the world, his contributions have been vital to the club’s recent dominance in English football. However, since his injury, Manchester City’s win rate has dropped from 74.1% to 61.9%, clearly indicating the void his absence has left in the team.
In Rodri’s absence, City has faced difficulties maintaining consistency in midfield. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva have tried to fill the gap, but neither offers the same defensive stability or positional awareness. Guardiola has experimented with various lineups, yet the balance Rodri brings has been noticeably lacking.
Despite the challenges, Manchester City is still competing for a Champions League spot, although their chances of clinching another Premier League title appear slim. Guardiola addressed Rodri’s condition in a recent interview, explaining that the midfielder’s injury was severe and recovery has taken longer than expected. He mentioned that Rodri has already been sidelined for over six months but is slowly beginning to reintegrate into team training—a sign of progress.
Guardiola stressed the importance of patience in Rodri’s recovery, making it clear that rushing him back would be unwise. The priority, he said, is ensuring the player returns fully fit, potentially in time for the 2025/26 season. With significant squad changes anticipated in the summer, including possible new signings, a fully recovered Rodri could play a major role in helping City bounce back next season.
Rodri, who joined City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, has been instrumental in the club’s success, helping secure multiple major titles including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. His tactical awareness, composure, and passing range have made him a crucial part of Guardiola’s system.
Looking ahead, City fans remain hopeful for a strong end to the current season, while eagerly anticipating Rodri’s full return and a revitalized campaign in 2025/26.
