Pep Guardiola Unsure When Rodri Will Return From Injury

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted on Monday that he does not know when Spain midfielder Rodri will be fit to return to the pitch.

Rodri, who missed much of last season with a knee injury, has appeared only once — for just one minute — in City’s last 10 matches because of a hamstring issue.

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

Asked during a brief press conference if Rodri was available, Guardiola responded: “No, not yet.”
When pressed about the possibility of a weekend return, he added: “I don’t know.”

Guardiola also commented on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who received his fourth booking of his short City career during Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Leeds. Leeds manager Daniel Farke had accused Donnarumma of exaggerating an injury delay to allow Guardiola to give instructions — with the Italian now one yellow card away from suspension.

“Yes, he has a lot (of bookings), he has many,” Guardiola said. “It is what it is.”
Asked if he had spoken to his goalkeeper about the issue, he replied: “No.”

The City boss was more expansive when discussing Fulham manager Marco Silva following their impressive 2-1 away victory over Tottenham.

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

“The organisation is exceptional and every year I have the feeling that with the ball, they are better and better. Tough, tough opponent.

“I saw the games yesterday and today, against Chelsea, against Arsenal, last games against Sunderland.

“Always it’s so, so difficult for the opponents to break them up. It has always been like that in this beautiful stadium (Craven Cottage) in London.”

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