Rodri in line for Manchester City return as Pep Guardiola questions title race talk

Manchester City are slowly beginning to feel whole again, and at the centre of that feeling is one very important name. Rodri. For much of the last year, the Spanish midfielder has been more talked about than seen. Injuries, setbacks, recovery plans and careful management have defined his recent journey. Now, as the calendar turns to a new year and City prepare to travel to Sunderland on New Year’s Day, there is a growing sense that Rodri’s long wait is finally coming to an end.

Pep Guardiola, as ever, refuses to get carried away. He speaks calmly, carefully, and with his usual caution. Yet even through his guarded words, the importance of Rodri’s return is impossible to ignore. City’s recent resurgence has been impressive, built on resilience and adaptation, but everyone inside the club knows that when Rodri is fit and available, Manchester City become a different team.

Rodri was an unused substitute in the Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, a moment that quietly marked a significant step in his recovery. After missing most of last season due to a serious knee injury, simply being named in the matchday squad felt like progress. There was no rush, no gamble, no emotional decision. Guardiola chose patience, trusting the long road rather than the short thrill.

The plan now appears to be gradual. A few minutes here, a controlled appearance there, easing Rodri back into the rhythm of elite football. Guardiola admitted as much, saying he is looking forward to seeing Rodri play again, even if it is only for a short spell. Those few minutes could be enough to remind everyone why City rely on him so heavily.

Rodri is not just another midfielder. He is the heartbeat of Guardiola’s system. He controls tempo, protects the defence, recycles possession, and quietly dictates games without shouting for attention. When he is missing, City often still win, but they do so with more effort, more risk, and less control. His absence last season forced Guardiola to improvise, and while the squad adapted admirably, the difference was always clear.

The good news does not stop with Rodri. Jeremy Doku, the explosive winger who lit up the early part of the season, is also nearing a return. A calf injury has kept him out for four matches, but his pace, energy and unpredictability could be vital as City face an intense run of fixtures. Guardiola hinted that Doku could also feature against Sunderland, though once again he stopped short of making promises.

These returns could not come at a better time. Manchester City are entering one of the busiest periods of their season, with ten games scheduled across four competitions in just 32 days. The margins will be thin. Recovery time will be limited. Rotation will be essential. And yet, Guardiola has admitted that his options are far from ideal.

John Stones remains sidelined, as does Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic. On top of that, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are away representing their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations. This combination of injuries and absences has stretched City’s squad, forcing Guardiola to rely heavily on the same group of players again and again.

The manager did not hide his concern. He spoke honestly about the demands of the schedule, pointing out the reality of late-night returns from away games and the quick turnaround before facing top opponents. After Sunderland, City will return in the early hours of the morning, only to prepare for clashes against Chelsea and Brighton. These are not simple games. These are tests of depth, fitness, and mental strength.

Despite these challenges, City’s form has been strong. Eight consecutive wins in all competitions have reignited belief and narrowed the gap at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal may still lead by five points, but City have a game in hand. Victory at Sunderland, who are unbeaten at home this season, would cut the deficit to just two points and add even more pressure to the title race.

Still, Guardiola refuses to talk about titles. He almost seems amused by how quickly narratives change. One week it is a one-team race. Then it becomes two. Then three. Then suddenly just one again. Guardiola knows better than to follow the noise. His focus remains on the next match, the next training session, the next recovery cycle.

When asked directly if the Premier League had become a two-horse race, Guardiola pushed back gently but firmly. He questioned the certainty of such claims and reminded everyone that football rarely follows simple scripts. For him, the title race is still wide open, unpredictable, and far from settled.

Behind the scenes, however, planning never stops. January is approaching, and with it comes the transfer window. Manchester City have been linked with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, a player whose pace, power and versatility have attracted attention. Reports suggest City are considering a move, but Guardiola once again refused to be drawn into speculation.

He chose his words carefully, reminding the media that the transfer window is currently closed and that he must be cautious about what he says. This is classic Guardiola. He protects his players, respects other clubs, and avoids unnecessary distractions. Even when links are strong and reports persistent, he prefers silence to speculation.

At the same time, there are rumours pointing in the opposite direction. Oscar Bobb, one of City’s brightest young talents, has been linked with a loan move to Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga club are known for developing young players, and the move could make sense for all parties. But once again, Guardiola declined to comment.

His response was simple and consistent. If something happens, it will happen. Until then, there is nothing to discuss. He even suggested that questions about Bobb’s future should be directed to the player himself. This hands-off approach reflects Guardiola’s belief in clarity and timing. He does not speculate. He waits for facts.

For now, the focus remains on football. On Sunderland. On Rodri’s possible return. On managing a stretched squad through a relentless schedule. On staying competitive in every competition without burning out the players.

Rodri’s comeback carries emotional weight as well as tactical importance. After such a long absence, every step back onto the pitch feels significant. His teammates know what he brings. The fans know what he represents. Calm. Control. Reliability. Leadership through action rather than words.

Guardiola has always spoken highly of Rodri, often calling him irreplaceable. That might sound dramatic, but results have backed it up. City’s win percentage drops when he is missing. Their structure becomes less secure. His presence allows others to play with freedom, knowing that the space behind them is protected.

If Rodri can stay fit, City’s chances improve dramatically. Not just in the league, but in Europe and domestic cups as well. His return could be the difference between a good season and a great one.

Yet Guardiola will not rush him. He has learned from experience. Long-term health matters more than short-term gain. A cautious return now could ensure Rodri is available during the decisive months of the season, when trophies are won and lost.

As City travel north on New Year’s Day, the sense of quiet optimism is unmistakable. Not loud confidence. Not bold predictions. Just a steady belief that things are moving in the right direction. Players are returning. Form is improving. Momentum is building.

Sunderland will not be easy. Their home record proves that. But City arrive with renewed belief, sharpened focus, and the possibility of welcoming back their most influential midfielder.

Pep Guardiola may dismiss talk of title races, but football has a way of telling its own story. And as Rodri edges closer to full fitness, that story may yet take another dramatic turn.

For now, patience remains the watchword. One game at a time. One minute at a time. One careful step forward. Manchester City know the journey is long, but with Rodri returning, it suddenly feels a little more familiar.