Rodri not fully fit before September break

Pep Guardiola says Rodri is unlikely to be fully match ready until after the September international break, shaping Manchester City's early season plans.

Rodri unlikely to be fully fit before September break Guardiola says

Rodri, who ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament last September, missed most of last season. His comeback was interrupted at the Club World Cup in the United States when a substitute appearance against Al-Hilal was cut short by a groin problem.

Guardiola said Rodri is improving but will likely not be fully fit until after the September international break. City have August fixtures against Wolves, Tottenham, and Brighton before the break, and the manager stressed that any return must be pain free to avoid a fresh setback. Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic, who had Achilles surgery in the summer, were left out of the travelling squad for a Palermo friendly, and Kovacic is expected to be unavailable until September or October.

City relies on Rodri as a midfield anchor, so his slow return creates a clear risk to early results. The club must balance the need for a competitive start with the imperative to protect a long season ahead. This situation tests Guardiola's remaining options in midfield and could force early adjustments if Rodri misses more minutes than planned.

If Kovacic stays sidelined until September or October, City may lean on younger players or reshuffle responsibilities among midfielders. The episode underscores how injuries can reshape strategy for a title race, turning depth into a decisive asset or a weakness when fixtures stack up and form wavers.

Highlights

A careful path to fitness may be the most ambitious plan City can make this season.