Manchester City will have to do without Rodri for the time being. Pep Guardiola confirmed that the midfielder has suffered a ‘serious injury’ during the Club World Cup.
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Manchester City have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the new Premier League campaign, with Pep Guardiola confirming that midfield lynchpin Rodri will be sidelined for the start of the season due to injury.
The 29-year-old Spaniard, widely regarded as one of the most influential players in world football, is facing yet another frustrating spell on the sidelines this time due to what is reported to be a serious groin injury.
Rodri’s absence is particularly concerning for City given his pivotal role in the team’s structure. Since his arrival from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he has been the heartbeat of Guardiola’s midfield, dictating the tempo, breaking up opposition attacks, and providing a consistent shield for the backline. His performances have been instrumental in the club’s domestic dominance and European success, culminating in last season’s historic treble and earning him the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
This latest setback follows a gruelling recovery period last year. In September, Rodri suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament tear an injury that kept him out of competitive action for eight long months. That blow not only robbed City of their midfield anchor but also disrupted Guardiola’s tactical plans, forcing him to experiment with alternative midfield combinations. The absence was felt across competitions, as the team had to adapt without their metronome in the centre of the park.
Rodri only returned to the pitch in May, making a handful of substitute appearances in the closing stages of the Premier League season. His return was seen as a huge boost for City’s ambitions in the Club World Cup, held in the United States, where Guardiola intended to gradually reintegrate him into the starting lineup. However, fate intervened again. In the round of 16 clash against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, Rodri came on as a substitute but was forced to withdraw early in extra time, clutching his groin in visible discomfort. Subsequent assessments by the club’s medical staff confirmed the severity of the issue, prompting immediate concerns about his readiness for the new campaign.
While Manchester City have yet to officially confirm the exact duration of his absence, British media outlets have reported that the injury is indeed a groin problem, which can be notoriously tricky to manage and prone to recurrence if rushed. Guardiola has made it clear that the club will not take any unnecessary risks with his recovery.
"Hopefully, he can get some minutes before the international break, but only if he is completely pain-free," Guardiola explained in his pre-season briefing. "We absolutely want to avoid a situation where he comes back too soon and develops further problems. His long-term health is far more important than one or two matches."
This cautious approach means that Rodri will certainly miss the opening fixtures of the Premier League season. City begin their title defence on August 16 with a potentially tricky away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers. That match will be followed by back-to-back challenges against top-six contenders Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion. All three games will test City’s squad depth and could set the tone for their early-season momentum.
In Rodri’s absence, Guardiola may turn to a combination of Mateo Kovačić, Kalvin Phillips, and youngster Rico Lewis to fill the void. However, none possess the same blend of defensive solidity, tactical intelligence, and passing range that Rodri brings. This could force a tactical reshuffle, possibly even seeing John Stones step into a more advanced midfield role something Guardiola has experimented with in the past.
The situation is further complicated by the congested football calendar. The September international break looms large, and City are keen to ensure that Rodri returns only when he is fully fit to cope with the demands of multiple competitions. After the break, the schedule intensifies with the Champions League group stage beginning, alongside Carabao Cup fixtures and a relentless Premier League run-in.
For Guardiola, the absence of his midfield general is not just a tactical challenge but also a psychological one. Rodri has become a leader in the dressing room, setting the tone with his consistency and professionalism. His influence extends beyond the pitch, making him a vital figure in maintaining the competitive edge of a squad that has won almost everything in recent years.
Manchester City fans will be hoping that this latest injury does not become a recurring theme. With the club chasing an unprecedented fifth Premier League title in six years, competing in Europe, and aiming to defend their domestic cups, the presence of a fully fit Rodri could be the difference between another dominant season and one that falls short of expectations. For now, City must adapt but they will eagerly count down the days until their midfield maestro is back in action.
Updated: 07:17, 9 Aug 2025
