Manchester City finally enjoyed a rare moment of defensive calm on Saturday afternoon when they recorded a clean sheet victory for the first time since the opening days of November, brushing Sunderland aside at the Etihad Stadium with the authority and control that has long defined Pep Guardiola’s team. The scoreline itself was convincing, the performance solid, and the atmosphere relaxed, yet beneath the surface of that comfortable win there was a familiar sense of concern that refused to go away. As the goals went in and the crowd celebrated, many City fans were still asking the same uneasy questions that have followed the club for months. Where is Rodri, and when will Mateo Kovacic be back.
For a side that has built its recent dominance on midfield control, balance, and intelligence, the continued absence of two experienced central players feels like a shadow hanging over every big occasion. The Sunderland match should have been remembered only as a routine victory and a chance to build momentum, but instead it once again highlighted the reality that Manchester City are still not at full strength. With a massive Champions League showdown against Real Madrid just days away, the uncertainty around Rodri and Kovacic has become impossible to ignore.
Rodri’s situation is especially worrying because of his importance to Guardiola’s system. Since arriving at City, he has grown into one of the most influential midfielders in world football, combining physical presence, tactical awareness, and calm decision-making. His rise was confirmed last season when he played a central role in City’s success across multiple competitions, eventually earning the Ballon d’Or. For Guardiola, Rodri is not just another midfielder, he is the anchor, the reference point, the player who allows everyone else to function with freedom and confidence.
That is why the story of his injury troubles this season has felt so frustrating. The problems began early last season when he suffered a serious ACL injury that ruled him out for a long period. At the time, there were real fears that City might struggle to cope without him, and although they managed to find solutions, it was clear that something was missing. Rodri worked tirelessly on his recovery and made a determined push to return in time for the Club World Cup. When he finally stepped back onto the pitch, it felt like a major boost not just for City but for European football as a whole.
However, the hope that his injury nightmare was behind him has not been rewarded. Instead, this season has turned into another battle with fitness. In October, during a match against Brentford, Rodri picked up a hamstring injury that immediately raised alarm bells. Hamstring problems are notoriously difficult, especially for players who rely on strength, balance, and constant movement in midfield. From that moment on, City’s medical staff have taken a cautious approach, knowing that rushing him back could cause even more damage in the long term.
Since that Brentford game, Rodri has played just one competitive minute. That brief appearance came at home against Bournemouth on November 2, when he was introduced from the bench in what many hoped would be the first step of his full return. Instead, it turned into a painfully short cameo that only added to the uncertainty. He did not feature again, and each passing week without him has increased anxiety among supporters.
Guardiola, as ever, has chosen his words carefully when speaking about Rodri’s condition. Before the Sunderland match, he was asked directly whether the Spaniard was fit enough to start. His answer was short and frustratingly vague. He simply said no, but added that Rodri was getting better. That small phrase offered a little hope, but no real clarity. When pressed further about the possibility of Rodri being ready in time for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid, Guardiola responded with a familiar touch of mystery, telling reporters to ask him in Madrid.
That response perfectly summed up Guardiola’s approach. He prefers to keep opponents guessing, but it also reflects genuine uncertainty. Rodri’s recovery has not followed a straightforward path, and the club clearly does not want to make promises it cannot keep. As things stand, the potential return date being discussed is the away match against Real Madrid on Wednesday, December 10. Even that, however, feels far from guaranteed. It is one thing to be fit enough to train, and another to be ready to start or even feature in a game of such intensity and importance.
The significance of that Madrid fixture cannot be overstated. Real Madrid and Manchester City have developed one of the defining rivalries of modern Champions League football. Each meeting between them carries tactical battles, emotional tension, and fine margins. In such a context, the presence or absence of Rodri could shape the entire tie. His ability to slow the game down, protect the defence, and break up Madrid’s attacks is something City cannot easily replace. Without him, Guardiola must rely on alternative solutions that may not offer the same level of control.
While Rodri’s situation dominates headlines, Mateo Kovacic’s injury problems tell a different but equally frustrating story. The Croatian midfielder arrived at City with expectations of providing experience, versatility, and depth. Known for his ball-carrying ability and composure under pressure, Kovacic was seen as an ideal Guardiola player. However, his City career has been disrupted from the start by physical issues.
Kovacic underwent surgery in the summer to address an Achilles injury, a problem that can be particularly troublesome for midfielders who depend on sharp movements and acceleration. As a result, he had a slow and carefully managed start to the season. Guardiola and his staff were keen not to rush him back, aware that Achilles injuries can easily flare up if not fully healed. When he eventually returned to action, there was cautious optimism that he could gradually build rhythm and fitness.
That optimism did not last long. Kovacic’s most recent appearance for City came in late October, when he played around half an hour against Villarreal in the Champions League. At the time, it seemed like a positive sign, a chance for him to regain match sharpness and rejoin the rotation. Instead, it turned out to be his last involvement so far. Since then, he has not featured in any matchday squad, and questions about his condition have grown louder.
The picture became clearer, though no less concerning, when Kovacic shared an image on social media on December 3. The photo showed him at City’s training ground, balancing a football on his head, but the details told a worrying story. He was wearing a large protective boot on his right leg and using crutches, a clear indication that he was far from full fitness. For fans hoping for good news, the image felt like a setback rather than a sign of progress.
Guardiola later explained that Kovacic was dealing with calcification in his ankle, a condition that can cause pain and limit movement. He admitted that the midfielder would be out for a while and that the club would have to wait until later in the season for his possible return. Unlike Rodri, whose comeback at least has a tentative date attached to it, Kovacic’s situation remains open-ended. There is no clear timeline, no confirmed target, just a sense that patience will be required.
These injury problems come at a challenging moment in City’s season. The schedule is relentless, with domestic competitions demanding consistency and the Champions League requiring peak performance. Guardiola is known for his ability to adapt and find solutions, but even he cannot ignore the strain that long-term absences place on a squad. Midfield, in particular, is an area where rhythm and understanding are crucial, and constant changes can disrupt the balance of the team.
Against Sunderland, City managed well enough, controlling the game and keeping a clean sheet, but the level of opposition allowed some margin for error. In Europe, especially against a side like Real Madrid, that margin disappears. Every misplaced pass, every missed tackle, every moment of hesitation can be punished. That is why the question of Rodri’s availability feels so critical. His presence brings calm and structure, qualities that are invaluable in high-pressure matches.
The psychological aspect of these injuries should not be overlooked either. For Rodri, the frustration of repeated setbacks can weigh heavily. Returning from an ACL injury is already a major challenge, both physically and mentally. To then suffer a hamstring problem and face a stop-start season can test even the strongest mindset. City’s medical team will be keen to ensure that when he does return, he is fully ready and confident, not just ticking a box on the team sheet.
Kovacic, meanwhile, faces his own battle. Joining a new club is always a period of adjustment, and injuries can make that process even harder. Unable to establish a consistent run of games, he has not yet had the chance to fully show what he can offer in a City shirt. The uncertainty around his ankle issue means that his focus will be on long-term health rather than short-term gains. Guardiola’s comments suggest that the club sees him as a player for the latter stages of the season, rather than someone who can be rushed back now.
For supporters, this period is one of mixed emotions. On one hand, City continue to win games and compete on multiple fronts. On the other, there is a constant sense of waiting, of hoping for good news that never quite arrives. Each press conference brings the same questions, and each vague answer fuels speculation. The build-up to the Real Madrid match has only intensified that feeling, turning injury updates into a major talking point.
As Guardiola prepares to preview that Champions League clash, all eyes will be on what he says about Rodri in particular. Even a small hint of progress could lift spirits, while confirmation of his absence would force fans to brace themselves for another big night without their midfield general. The reality is that City have learned to cope without him, but coping and dominating are not the same thing. Against the very best, City are always stronger with Rodri on the pitch.
In the longer term, the club will hope that both Rodri and Kovacic can return fully fit and contribute during the crucial months ahead. The season is far from over, and trophies are often decided in spring rather than winter. Having experienced, intelligent midfielders available could make the difference when fatigue sets in and pressure increases. For now, though, patience remains the key word.
Manchester City’s injury update, then, is one of cautious hope mixed with ongoing uncertainty. Rodri is getting better, but when exactly he will be ready remains unclear. Kovacic is recovering, but without a set return date. As the Champions League anthem prepares to ring out in Madrid, City travel with questions still unanswered, knowing that their strength lies not just in the players they have, but also in the ones they are still waiting to welcome back.
