Guardiola Confirms Rodri Injury: “We Tried to Be Gentle”

Rodri Hamstring Injury Concerns Guardiola: “We Tried to Be Gentle”

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri suffered a muscular injury in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Brentford on Sunday, expressing hope that the midfielder will be sidelined for no longer than two or three weeks.

Rodri limped off just 21 minutes into the match at the Gtech Community Stadium, replaced by Nico Gonzalez, after appearing to clutch his hamstring in discomfort.

 “It’s muscular. Of course, I don’t want to lose him because he is such an important player,” Guardiola said.

“We tried to take care of him, but it is what it is.”

Rodri: “It’s Not That Big”

Rodri spoke post-match and suggested that the injury may not be serious, comparing the sensation to the Euro final, where he also left early due to muscle fatigue.

 “I felt a little bit in the hamstring, but it seems as though it’s not that much.”

“I stretched a bit, like in the final of the Euros. But the most important thing is it’s not that big.”

The 29-year-old Spain international has only made 15 appearances since recovering from an ACL injury that ruled him out for most of last season. He also missed the previous weekend’s win over Burnley due to knee pain.

Guardiola: “This Is Why We Tried to Be Gentle”

Guardiola’s rotation policy regarding Rodri had come under scrutiny after the Spaniard was subbed off at the 60-minute mark during City’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Monaco.

Asked why he didn’t play Rodri for the full 90 minutes midweek, Guardiola had warned of potential injury.

 “You asked me why I don’t play him 90 minutes all the time… This is why we tried to be gentle.”

“I was right, no?”

Haaland Delivers, Guardiola Hits Milestone

While concern over Rodri dominated the post-match narrative, Erling Haaland was the match-winner once again, scoring the only goal of the game in the 9th minute after outmuscling Sepp van den Berg and calmly finishing past Caoimhin Kelleher.

It was Haaland’s:

•  3rd goal this week

• 18th goal in 11 matches for club and country

•  The goal that earned Guardiola his 250th Premier League win, achieved in just 349 games — the fastest manager to reach that milestone

What’s Next for Manchester City?

City head into the international break in fifth place, but Rodri’s injury raises questions about midfield stability going forward.

Their next fixture is against Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 18 October.

With Rodri likely to miss that match, Guardiola may turn to:

• Nico Gonzalez, or

• Tactical reshuffling involving John Stones or Kalvin Phillips (if fit)