Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Monday that he remains unsure when Spain international Rodri will be fit enough to return to action.
The midfielder, who missed much of last season due to a knee injury, has appeared only once in City’s last 10 matches, and even then for just a minute, because of a lingering hamstring problem.
Rodri has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Premier League trip to Fulham and is also doubtful for Saturday’s home match against Sunderland.
“No, not yet,” Guardiola said when asked during a brief press conference if Rodri was available for selection on Tuesday.
When pressed about the possibility of Rodri featuring at the weekend, he replied, “I don’t know.”
Guardiola also addressed concerns surrounding goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who received his fourth booking since joining Manchester City during their dramatic 3–2 win over Leeds on Saturday.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke had accused the goalkeeper of feigning injury to allow Guardiola time to give tactical instructions. Donnarumma now stands just one yellow card away from suspension.
“Yes, he has a lot (of bookings), he has many,” Guardiola admitted. “It is what it is.”
Asked whether he had spoken to Donnarumma about the issue, he simply said, “No.”
Guardiola was more forthcoming when discussing Fulham manager Marco Silva, praising his work following their impressive 2–1 victory over Tottenham.
“Marco is many, many years there and always (when we) have been there—really, really tough games, difficult,” he said.
“The organisation is exceptional, and every year I have the feeling that with the ball, they are better and better. Tough, tough opponent.
“I saw the games yesterday and today, against Chelsea, against Arsenal, the last games against Sunderland… It’s always so, so difficult for the opponents to break them up. It has always been like that in this beautiful stadium (Craven Cottage) in London.”
What you should know
Rodri’s ongoing fitness issues are posing a challenge for Manchester City as the midfielder continues to struggle with a hamstring problem.
While Donnarumma’s disciplinary record is raising eyebrows, Guardiola’s focus remains on the strength of upcoming opponents like Fulham, whom he regards as one of the most organised sides in the league.
