Rodri's Return Hits Another Snag as City Prepare for New Campaign

The Ballon d'Or winner endured a nightmare 2024-25 campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Arsenal last September. That devastating injury ruled him out for virtually the entire season, robbing City of their most influential player during crucial months.

Rodri finally tasted action again as a late substitute against Bournemouth in City's penultimate league match. His return offered genuine hope that the 29-year-old could contribute meaningfully to the new season preparations.

However, those hopes took a significant knock during City's disappointing Club World Cup campaign in America. The tournament ended in failure at the last-16 stage against Al-Hilal, but Rodri's personal setback proved equally concerning.

The midfielder entered the Saudi Arabian encounter as a second-half substitute but lasted barely 30 minutes before limping off during extra time. Initial assessments suggest a groin problem has complicated his recovery.

Guardiola addressed the situation with characteristic caution. "Rodri had a big injury in that Al-Hilal match," the manager explained. "He's improving daily and has trained better recently. After the international break, hopefully he'll be completely ready."

City's opening fixtures present a testing start to their title defence. Wolves away on 16 August kicks off the campaign, followed by home encounters with Tottenham and Brighton before September's international window arrives.

The manager stressed patience remains paramount in Rodri's rehabilitation. "He might get some minutes in these early games, but avoiding pain is crucial. We cannot risk Rodri returning injured again."

Two recent training sessions have provided encouragement, with Rodri participating fully alongside his teammates. Yet Guardiola's cautious approach reflects the midfielder's importance to City's tactical framework.

Without Rodri's presence last season, City's midfield lacked its usual authority and control. His ability to dictate tempo, break up opposition attacks and launch counter-pressing sequences makes him virtually irreplaceable in Guardiola's system.

The extended absence highlighted City's over-reliance on the former Atletico Madrid man. Finding adequate cover for Rodri's unique skill set proved problematic throughout the campaign.

City's medical team will monitor his progress closely over the coming weeks. Any rush to return could prove counterproductive, especially given the lengthy rehabilitation already endured.