Manchester City might have to face another big test without one of their most influential players.
Pep Guardiola has revealed that Rodri’s ongoing hamstring problem could keep him out of both the Champions League and Premier League fixtures next week — a worrying blow for the champions as the schedule intensifies.
A Growing Doubt for the Aston Villa Clash
Guardiola sounded cautious when asked about Rodri’s chances of featuring in City’s upcoming games.
The midfielder, who picked up a hamstring injury earlier this month, has already been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Villarreal — his former club — and could also miss the difficult trip to Aston Villa next weekend.
“I don’t think so for Villarreal — or Aston Villa,” Guardiola admitted.
“It’s not a long injury, but it’s muscular, and we have to be careful.
We’ve tried many times not to take a risk, but it hasn’t worked out that way. So we’ll see.”
It’s the kind of uncertainty City could do without, especially as Villa Park has become one of their trickiest away grounds in recent seasons.
City haven’t won there since 2021, and Rodri’s absence would certainly make the task tougher.
Rodri’s Frustrating Run with Injuries
This isn’t the first time the Spain international has been sidelined this season.
Since the Club World Cup, Rodri has dealt with three separate injury issues, each one halting his rhythm and disrupting City’s balance in midfield.
He had been pushing to get back into regular action before breaking down early in the 1–0 win over Brentford just before the international break.
If he misses the next two fixtures, his time on the sidelines will stretch past the three-week mark — longer than Guardiola initially hoped.
Others Step Up in His Absence
Despite Rodri’s absence, City haven’t completely lost their grip in midfield.
Youngster Nico González impressed during Saturday’s 2–0 win over Everton, showing composure and maturity in the holding role.
Guardiola was full of praise for the 20-year-old, who continues to grow into the demanding system.
Meanwhile, Mateo Kovačić made his long-awaited return — his first appearance since May — after recovering from Achilles surgery.
The Croatian midfielder’s calmness on the ball and ability to control tempo were on display, though Guardiola admitted he’s still building fitness.
Guardiola’s Patience with Kovačić’s Recovery
“Kovačić has that special quality — he keeps the ball when others might lose it,” Guardiola said.
“But we can’t forget he’s coming off a big injury, three or four months out. We need his quality back, but I don’t feel he’s ready for 90 minutes yet. That would only risk another setback.”
The manager added that Kovačić will be eased in gradually: “Right now, 20 or 30 minutes is perfect. We’ll get him back fully in time.
All our players bring something unique, and with the group we have, we can still play in extraordinary ways.”
City Looking to Manage Without Their Midfield Anchor
Without Rodri, City lose not only their anchor but also their rhythm-setter — the player who makes Guardiola’s system tick.
His absence has often been felt most in games where City struggle for control, and next week’s fixtures could test that again.
Still, Guardiola’s side have a reputation for adapting when adversity hits.
With González stepping up, Kovačić slowly finding his stride, and City’s depth being tested once again, the coming week could reveal just how well the champions can cope without their midfield general.