Premier League 2025-2026: Man City boss Guardiola unsure about Rodri’s return

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Monday he was unsure when Spanish midfielder Rodri will be fit enough to return to action.

Rodri missed much of last season due to a knee injury and made just one appearance (and then only a minute) in City’s last 10 games due to a hamstring problem.

The 29-year-old has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Premier League trip to Fulham and is a doubt for Saturday’s home game against Sunderland.

“No, not yet,” Guardiola said when asked if Rodri was available at a press conference that lasted just a few minutes on Monday.

Asked if he could be there this weekend, Guardiola said: «I don’t know.»

Also read | Flick was relieved to have players back for the crucial match against Atletico

Guardiola also spoke about goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was shown a yellow card for the fourth time in his short City career in Saturday’s latest 3-2 win over Leeds.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke also accused Donnarumma of feigning an injury so Guardiola could make a key team speech. The Italian is now just one yellow card away from a suspension.

“Yes, he has a lot of bookings, he has a lot of them,” Guardiola said. “It is what it is.”

When asked if he had spoken to Donnarumma about it, he replied: “No.”

Guardiola was more willing to discuss the work of Fulham manager Marco Silva after the impressive 2-1 win against Tottenham.

“Marco has been there for many, many years and always (when we) have been there – really tough games, difficult,” Guardiola said.

«The organization is exceptional and every year I have the feeling that they are getting better and better with the ball. Tough, difficult 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 down. It’s always been that way in this beautiful stadium (Craven Cottage) in London.»

Published on December 1, 2025