Rodri is set to miss this weekend’s Premier League clash between Man City and Leeds United at Eastlands as he continues his recovery from injury.
The midfielder has not featured for City since coming on as a late substitute against Bournemouth in early November due to a hamstring, and his last start came against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League at the start of October.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has only played 15 times for club and country since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September of last year.
Rodri injury update as Man City prepare for Leeds United
City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that Rodri was “not yet” ready to play due to his hamstring issue, but said his return was “not much farther” away.
Mateo Kovacic also remains out with an ankle injury, meaning Nico Gonzalez is likely to retain his role in midfield behind Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
Guardiola will be hoping City can maintain their strong record against Leeds without Rodri, but is aware the newly promoted side will pose a challenge for his side, who are coming off the back of consecutive defeats.
“I have an incredible opinion of Daniel [Farke],” said Pep.
“I have a really good relationship with him and I know the Premier League is always like that with good runs and results and bad results because opponents are tough and have long weeks to prepare.
“So demanding. We have to be ready.”
Guardiola added that he’s not overly concerned by his team’s reliance on Erling Haaland for goals in the Premier League. The Norwegian has found the net 14 times in the top flight this flight, but no other player has scored more than one goal.
“Not the main concern but in general the last game, we did many good things in the game, in defence and of course Erling is massively important but others are as well.”
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