Pep Guardiola Fears Key Star Won’t Be Fully Fit Until After September Break

Manchester City has received bad news prior to their 2025 Premier League campaign with midfielder Rodri having to remain on the sidelines until after the September international break. Pep Guardiola confirmed Rodri’s status, stating that the Ballon d’Or winning Spaniard was “unlikely to be really fit” before then.

Rodri, 29, had a disappointing 2024-25 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last September, and he made his long-awaited return late in the season, coming on as a sub against Bournemouth in City’s second-to-last Premier League match.

Club World Cup Return Didn’t Last Long

Rodri was in City’s team for the Club World Cup in the United States. They played Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia in the round of 16. Rodri came in as a substitute in the second half, but his time on the field didn’t last long. He had to leave early in extra time because he seemed to hurt his groin.

Before City’s first Premier League game against Wolves, Guardiola said:

“Rodri is getting better but he had a big injury in the last game against Al-Hilal. Hopefully after the international break, he will be really fit.”

Also Read: Cantona to Ryan Giggs: 10 Football Legends who never played World Cup

City’s Fixtures Before September Break

Manchester City’s league campaign starts on August 16 against Wolves, and the club will also play Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove albion. Pep Guardiola hopes Rodri can contribute in bits before the break, but he won’t put Rodri at risk of jarring the injury.

“What’s important is that he doesn’t have pain. We don’t want Rodri coming back injured. He’s trained the last two sessions with us and that’s a good sign.”

Why Rodri’s Absence Matters for Pep Guardiola Manchester City

Rodri is key player for Manchester City’s game, setting pace, stopping other teams’ plays, and adding key goals, assists and key passes to the final third. When he was not playing last year, it hurt City in many games. With new tests coming, Pep Guardiola has to watch how much Rodri plays to keep him away from another big injury.

Quick Injury Recap

• Main injury: ACL rupture (Sept 2024)
• Comeback: May 2025 vs Bournemouth
• Setback: Groin issue at Club World Cup vs Al-Hilal
• Expected full fitness: Post-September international break 2025

City fans are really looking forward to Rodri’s return, but Pep Guardiola seems to be playing it safe, focusing on his long-term health instead of rushing him back. The next few weeks will be key to seeing how quickly he gets back to his top form.