Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is fit to return against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, describing the Spanish midfielder as “the best player in the world.”
Rodri had endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines last season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September during a clash with Arsenal. Though he returned late in the campaign, a fresh setback forced him to miss parts of pre-season and last weekend’s emphatic 4-0 win over Wolves in City’s Premier League opener.
“He’s still so far the best player in the world until we elect a new one in a few months,” Guardiola said during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“I don’t have any doubts about his potential and quality. Just consistency at training, weeks, training, games, minutes, and after everything will be fine.”
Rodri’s availability is seen as a huge boost for City as they look to reclaim the Premier League crown after finishing third last season. Guardiola also had positives to draw from the Wolves game, where new arrivals Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki both found the net, while goalkeeper James Trafford made his first senior start for the club during his second spell.
Despite Trafford’s solid performance, Guardiola revealed that he has not yet decided on who will start between the posts against Spurs. Ederson, recently linked with a potential move to Galatasaray, is now fit and back in contention.
“The new players bring a new energy, new everything,” Guardiola added. “I’ve changed four or five or six times (backroom) staff, and it’s tough, but they always bring new energy and ideas. Players are the same, and James brings his youth and desire to play at the club he was born and grew up in. We’re happy with the performance, but it’s just the first game. We need to be consistent in the way we play and improve in the way we have done, and we have to do better against Spurs.”
City also celebrated good news off the pitch on Friday as defender Ruben Dias extended his contract by two years, keeping him at the Etihad until 2029. The Portuguese international, who joined from Benfica in 2020, expressed his delight at committing his long-term future to the club.
“I am thrilled. City is where I want to be at the top of the sport, competing for trophies,” Dias said. “The club’s ambition aligns perfectly with mine, and as a footballer, there is nothing better than that. I love Manchester; it is my home now, and I love the Manchester City fans. When I think about the trophies we have won and the way we have played our football during my time here, I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else.”
What you should know
Rodri’s return from injury is a timely lift for Manchester City as they seek to reassert dominance in the Premier League. Having been pivotal in their past successes, his presence could restore balance to Guardiola’s midfield.
The addition of new signings Reijnders and Cherki, alongside young goalkeeper James Trafford, highlights City’s fresh energy this season. Meanwhile, Ruben Dias’ contract extension until 2029 underlines his importance to the club’s future.
As Guardiola prepares his squad for Tottenham, the blend of experienced stars and emerging talents suggests City are determined to bounce back stronger after last season’s third-place finish.
