As Manchester City prepare for another demanding Premier League campaign, fresh concerns have emerged regarding the fitness of their pivotal midfielder Rodri, whose recovery from a serious knee injury has taken an unexpected turn. The Spanish international, who has been the cornerstone of City’s success in recent seasons, has reportedly expressed new fitness concerns to manager Pep Guardiola, casting uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Rodri’s journey back to full fitness has been meticulously planned since sustaining a significant knee injury in September 2024. The injury, which occurred during a crucial period of the season, forced Manchester City to adapt their tactical approach and rely heavily on alternative midfield options. The severity of the injury meant that the Ballon d’Or winner would face months of rehabilitation, with the club’s medical team taking no risks in his recovery process.
The significance of Rodri’s absence cannot be overstated. Since joining Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, the 29-year-old has established himself as one of the most important players in Guardiola’s system. His ability to control the tempo of matches, break up opposition attacks, and provide the foundation for City’s possession-based football has made him virtually irreplaceable. Statistics from previous seasons demonstrate his impact, with Manchester City’s win percentage dropping significantly in matches where Rodri is absent.
During his extended period on the sidelines, Rodri worked tirelessly with the club’s medical and fitness staff to ensure a complete recovery. The rehabilitation process involved not only addressing the physical aspects of the injury but also maintaining his match sharpness and tactical understanding of Guardiola’s evolving system. The player’s dedication to his recovery has been exemplary, with sources close to the club praising his professionalism and determination throughout the challenging period.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States provided the perfect opportunity for Manchester City to gradually reintegrate Rodri into competitive action. The tournament’s format allowed Guardiola and his medical team to carefully manage the midfielder’s minutes while ensuring he gained valuable match experience before the Premier League season commenced.
Rodri’s return to action began with limited appearances in the group stage matches. Against Wydad AC, the Spanish international was given a 30-minute cameo, allowing him to readjust to the pace and intensity of competitive football. This cautious approach continued in the match against Al Ain, where he again featured for half an hour, demonstrating positive signs of his recovery progress.
The breakthrough moment came in the third group stage match against Juventus, where Guardiola felt confident enough to hand Rodri his first start since the injury. Originally planned as a 45-minute appearance, the midfielder’s performance and his own assessment of his condition led to an extended run of nearly 70 minutes on the pitch in Orlando, Florida. This was seen as a significant milestone in his recovery, with both player and coaching staff expressing satisfaction with his contribution.
However, it was during the last-16 encounter against Al Hilal that new concerns began to emerge. Rodri was introduced early in the second half, suggesting Guardiola’s continued confidence in his fitness levels. Yet, as the match progressed into extra time, the decision to withdraw him at the 100-minute mark raised eyebrows among observers. What initially appeared to be routine minute management now seems to have been motivated by more pressing concerns.
The revelation of Rodri’s renewed fitness complaints has sent ripples of concern through the Manchester City fanbase and management team. According to reports, the midfielder has been experiencing issues over the past week, suggesting that his recovery may not be progressing as smoothly as initially hoped. The nature of these complaints remains unclear, but their timing is particularly concerning given the proximity of the new Premier League season.
Pep Guardiola’s post-match comments following the Al Hilal defeat were notably vague but telling. His admission that “We have to see Rodri; he complained about his [injury] situation” without providing further details suggests a level of caution and concern within the medical team. Guardiola, known for his meticulous attention to player welfare, would not make such statements lightly.
The timing of these concerns is particularly unfortunate for Manchester City. Having invested considerable time and resources in Rodri’s recovery, the emergence of new fitness issues represents a significant setback. The club’s medical team will now need to reassess their approach and potentially modify their plans for the midfielder’s return to full training and competitive action.
Manchester City’s unexpected early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, following their dramatic 3-4 defeat to Al Hilal, has inadvertently provided additional time for addressing Rodri’s fitness concerns. The club’s return to the City Football Academy earlier than anticipated means that work will not recommence until the end of July, giving the medical team approximately four weeks to evaluate and address the midfielder’s complaints.
This extended break could prove beneficial in several ways. Firstly, it allows for comprehensive medical assessments to determine the exact nature of Rodri’s concerns and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Secondly, it provides time for gradual conditioning work without the pressure of immediate competitive fixtures. Finally, it enables the coaching staff to prepare alternative tactical approaches should Rodri’s availability remain uncertain.
The four-week hiatus also presents challenges for Manchester City’s pre-season preparations. With the Premier League season scheduled to begin around two weeks after the club’s return to training, there will be limited time to integrate players and fine-tune tactical systems. This compressed timeframe becomes even more problematic if Rodri’s fitness issues persist, as Guardiola may need to experiment with different midfield combinations under pressure.
Rodri’s potential unavailability would force Manchester City to revisit tactical alternatives that served them during his initial injury period. The club’s midfield options include Mateo Kovacic, who has shown his versatility in various positions, and the emerging young talents within the academy system. However, none possess the unique combination of defensive solidity, passing range, and tactical intelligence that Rodri brings to the team.
During Rodri’s previous absence, Manchester City experimented with different formations and player combinations. Some matches saw Kovacic deployed in a deeper role, while others featured a more fluid midfield system with increased responsibility placed on the attacking midfielders to drop deeper and assist with ball progression. These tactical adjustments yielded mixed results, highlighting the difficulty of replacing a player of Rodri’s caliber.
The potential need to continue without Rodri also impacts Manchester City’s transfer strategy. The club’s hierarchy may need to reassess their summer recruitment plans, potentially prioritizing defensive midfielder options that were previously considered unnecessary. This could lead to late-window activity as the club seeks to ensure adequate depth and quality in this crucial position.
The emergence of fresh fitness concerns raises important questions about the nature of Rodri’s original injury and the recovery process. Knee injuries, particularly serious ones, can present ongoing challenges even after the initial healing phase. Issues such as muscle imbalances, compensation patterns, and confidence in the repaired structure can all contribute to ongoing discomfort or performance anxiety.
Manchester City’s medical team, renowned for their expertise and thorough approach, will need to conduct comprehensive assessments to determine whether Rodri’s concerns are related to his original injury or represent new issues. This evaluation process may include advanced imaging, biomechanical analysis, and detailed physical examinations to ensure no underlying problems are overlooked.
The club’s approach to managing this situation will be crucial for Rodri’s long-term career prospects. Rushing back too quickly could exacerbate existing issues or create new problems, while being overly cautious might impact his confidence and match sharpness. Finding the right balance requires expert medical judgment and close collaboration between the player, medical staff, and coaching team.
Beyond the physical considerations, Rodri’s situation also highlights the psychological challenges associated with returning from serious injury. Even the most resilient athletes can experience anxiety and doubt when returning to competitive action, particularly when dealing with setbacks during the recovery process. The mental aspect of rehabilitation is often as important as the physical components.
Manchester City’s support structure includes sports psychologists and mental health specialists who work closely with injured players throughout their recovery. This holistic approach recognizes that successful rehabilitation requires addressing both physical and psychological barriers to return to peak performance. Rodri’s experience and professionalism will be valuable assets in navigating these challenges.
The midfielder’s previous successful recoveries from injuries, combined with his status as a Ballon d’Or winner, provide reasons for optimism. His understanding of his own body and his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition have been evident throughout his career. These qualities will be essential as he works through his current fitness concerns.
The potential absence or limited availability of Rodri has significant implications for Manchester City’s Premier League campaign. The 2025-26 season promises to be as competitive as ever, with traditional rivals strengthening their squads and emerging challengers continuing to improve. Having their key midfielder at full fitness will be crucial for City’s hopes of defending their title.
Manchester City’s opening fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday, August 16th, represents the first major test of Rodri’s availability. Wolves, under their current management, have proven to be awkward opponents for the bigger clubs, often employing tactical approaches designed to disrupt the rhythm of possession-based teams like City. Having Rodri available for such encounters could prove decisive in setting the tone for the season.
The compressed nature of the modern football calendar, with Premier League matches, Champions League commitments, and domestic cup competitions, means that squad depth and player availability are more important than ever. Rodri’s unique skill set and tactical importance make him virtually irreplaceable in Guardiola’s system, emphasizing the significance of resolving his current fitness concerns.
Despite the concerning nature of recent developments, there are reasons for cautious optimism regarding Rodri’s situation. The four-week break before training resumes provides valuable time for assessment and treatment. Manchester City’s medical team has an excellent track record of managing player injuries and recoveries, having successfully guided numerous players back from serious setbacks.
Rodri’s own determination and professionalism throughout his rehabilitation process have been exemplary. His commitment to following medical advice and his patience during the recovery period demonstrate the maturity and intelligence that have made him such a valuable player. These qualities will serve him well as he addresses his current concerns.
The support structure around Rodri, including his teammates, coaching staff, and medical team, remains strong. The club’s investment in world-class facilities and expertise provides the best possible environment for addressing any fitness issues that may arise. This comprehensive support system has been instrumental in the successful recoveries of many Manchester City players over the years.
As Manchester City prepare for another challenging season, Rodri’s fitness situation represents a critical juncture that could significantly impact their prospects. The emergence of fresh concerns regarding his recovery from last season’s serious knee injury has introduced uncertainty at a crucial time in the club’s preparations.
The next few weeks will be decisive in determining Rodri’s availability for the start of the Premier League season. The extended break following Manchester City’s early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup provides an unexpected opportunity to address these concerns without the immediate pressure of competitive fixtures. However, the compressed pre-season schedule means that time remains a critical factor.
Manchester City’s success in recent years has been built on the foundation provided by players like Rodri. His ability to control matches, provide defensive stability, and initiate attacking moves makes him central to Guardiola’s tactical philosophy. The resolution of his current fitness concerns will be closely monitored by fans, teammates, and rivals alike as the new season approaches.
Ultimately, the club’s priority must be Rodri’s long-term health and career prospects. While the immediate impact of his potential absence would be significant, making decisions based on the player’s best interests will serve Manchester City well in the long term. The coming weeks will reveal whether these latest concerns represent a minor setback in an otherwise positive recovery or signal more significant challenges ahead.
As the football world watches and waits, one thing remains certain: Rodri’s fitness will be one of the most closely monitored stories as the new Premier League season approaches, with implications that extend far beyond Manchester City’s immediate prospects.
