Both Rodri and Guardiola played down the injury’s severity when speaking to the media, but the player did not appear in the matchday squad for either of City’s [recent wins over Everton and Villarreal](/sport/football/man-city-villarreal-champions-league-haaland-b1254175.html).
Nico Gonzalez has deputised him in both of those outings, though, and should be called upon again in Birmingham despite picking up a minor knock against Villarreal.
He will be likely to name a first-choice defence, and summer signing Tijjani Reijnders should come back in attacking midfield after being rested against Villarreal.
Rayan Cherki has appeared off the bench in each of City’s last two matches having recovered from an injury of his own, and could be in with a chance of making the starting lineup, though he must unseat Savinho to do so.
Phil Foden continues to impress as a No10, and should also return to the XI after playing no part against Villarreal. The free-scoring Erling Haaland should assume his usual place at centre-forward.
Abdukodir Khusanov remains injured, with no clear timeframe yet revealed for his return, while Rayan Ait-Nouri could be involved after returning to training last week.
**Predicted Man City XI (4-1-4-1):** Donnarumma; Gvardiol, Stones, Dias, Nunes; Gonzalez; Savinho, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland
**Time and date:** 2pm GMT on Sunday, October 26, 2025
**Venue:** Villa Park, Birmingham