During the latest Premier League news conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provided an update on the team's injury status, specifically highlighting that midfielder Rodri is currently not ready to participate in the upcoming match against Aston Villa.
Guardiola emphasized that Rodri is still recovering from his injury and has not yet regained full fitness. The manager explained that the club is taking a cautious approach to ensure the player's health and long-term performance, rather than rushing him back into action.
Rodri has been a key player for Manchester City this season, contributing significantly to the team's midfield stability and overall performance. His absence is expected to impact City’s tactical setup for the game, which is scheduled to take place at Villa Park.
In addition to Rodri’s situation, Guardiola addressed other injury concerns within the squad. He mentioned that several players are progressing well in their recovery, but no definitive return dates have been set for those currently sidelined.
The manager also discussed the importance of maintaining team cohesion and adapting tactics to compensate for missing players. He expressed confidence in the squad's depth and the ability of other players to step up in Rodri’s absence.
Looking ahead, Guardiola reaffirmed his focus on preparing the team for the challenging fixture against Aston Villa, emphasizing the importance of a disciplined and focused approach to secure three points away from home.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Manchester City manages the midfield without Rodri and how this impacts their overall performance in the match. The club remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, despite the setback of losing a key player temporarily.
As the match approaches, Guardiola and his squad will continue to monitor injury updates and make tactical adjustments as necessary to ensure they remain competitive in the Premier League standings.