Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side have suffered another blow.
The Premier League club planned to put their tough 2024/25 campaign behind them in the United States this summer by winning the FIFA Club World Cup; however, another trophy would pass the Manchester outfit by after suffering a 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal on Monday night in the United States.
Many Man City fans are blaming Ederson for his role in the result, but the defeat points to deeper issues that remain within Pep Guardiola’s side.
The legendary coach will now look to fix them before the Premier League gets back underway in August, but another huge concern has emerged after the Man City boss provided a fitness update on Rodri.
A dejected Rodri during Manchester City v Al-Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Rodri complained about injury issue vs Al Hilal
Rodri has been a major part of Man City’s success ever since his £62.5m move from Atletico Madrid during the summer of 2019, and that was evident last season, when the Premier League midfielder suffered a long-term injury and missed the majority of the Manchester club’s campaign.
Bernardo Silva is excited to have Rodri back for the 2025/26 campaign; however, the Spaniard complained about an issue against Al Hilal, Guardiola has now revealed.
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Rodri entered the field of play against the Saudi side during the 53rd minute, but was forced off in the 100th minute after feeling some niggles, reports the Daily Mail.
“Rodri – he complained about his situation,” Guardiola told the press about Rodri via The Guardian after Man City’s most recent defeat.
It remains to be seen how serious the 29-year-old’s situation is, but it will be a relief to everyone that it seems to have nothing to do with the knee he suffered with last season.
Man City fans have nothing to worry about with Rodri
Man City fans waking up on Tuesday morning will have been worried seeing the words Rodri and injury in the same sentence, but this seems to be a minor issue, which is normal after being out of action for a long period.
A similar situation happened with Oscar Bobb recently, as new injuries are likely to occur when a player is building back up fitness after a long time away from intense action.
Rodri now has time to rest before getting back to full match fitness ahead of the new Premier League season in August, and if the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner can get back to his best, this will go a long way in helping Man City challenge for the Premier League over the next year.