Jun 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Manchester City midfielder Rodri (16) looks on after a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Rodri Injury Scare Raises Concerns for Manchester City

Manchester City have been dealt a fresh concern after Rodri reported pain in the knee that kept him sidelined for eight months. The Ballon d’Or winner missed City’s 5-1 win over Burnley on Saturday and is now a major doubt for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Monaco. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made it clear he will not risk his midfield anchor.

Guardiola stressed that Rodri himself admitted he could not play through the discomfort. The Spaniard has only recently returned from his cruciate ligament injury. Rodri started three matches in a week against Manchester United, Napoli and Arsenal. The midfielder was then rested for City’s Carabao Cup tie against Huddersfield Town.

Man City Face Nervous Wait on Rodri Injury

On Friday morning, Rodri complained of severe pain in the same knee he had injured last year. It prompted immediate caution from the medical staff. Guardiola said, “Rodri was training and said, ‘I’m not able to play. I have a lot of pain in my knee. I cannot play, I cannot play.’ And I said, ‘if you cannot play, you cannot play’.”

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🚨 Guardiola: “In training, Rodri said. I'm not able to play. I have a lot of pain in my knee, I cannot play”.

“And I said: You cannot play? You don't play. So, another one is going to play. It’s the same knee he had injured”. @City_Xtra pic.twitter.com/53LLQKAiXG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 28, 2025

City’s dominant 5-1 win over Burnley was powered by two own goals from Burnley defender Maxime Esteve, a Matheus Nunes strike, and an Erling Haaland brace. Still, Rodri’s absence casts a shadow over their European preparations. The midfielder’s influence in controlling the tempo and shielding the back line remains irreplaceable.

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City will also be without Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Abdukodir Khusanov for the Champions League match against Monaco. Guardiola will now be hoping the issue proves minor, but the situation is being closely monitored. With City aiming to bounce back after a trophyless campaign last season, the fitness of their midfield general could be decisive in sustaining a title challenge.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola

Premier League

Premier League 2025-26

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Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.