Rodri of Manchester City warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Manchester, England.placeholder image
Rodri of Manchester City warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Manchester, England. | Getty Images
Manchester City host Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon in another tough test as they aim to keep their Premier League title hopes alive
City beat Leeds United 3-2 last weekend thanks to Phil Foden’s stoppage-time winner. Guardiola’s men had thrown away a 2-0 lead with Leeds scoring twice in the second half to get back on terms.
In midweek, City beat Fulham 5-4 but had been cruising at 5-1 after 54 minutes. Erling Haaland put them ahead with Tijjani Reijnders scoring and Foden netting twice along with an own goal from Sander Berge.
Emile Smith-Rowe was able to muster a goal for the hosts but they sprung back into life with Alex Iwobi scoring and then Samuel Chukwueze scoring twice to get within a goal of City. Fulham then had a late effort cleared off the line deep into stoppage time to hold onto the three points.
Will Rodri play for Man City against Sunderland this weekend?
There is no doubt that City miss the influence of Rodri, whose performances in defensive midfield won him the Ballon D’or in 2024. He suffered an ACL injury in September 2024 but has recovered from that but continues to be troubled by injuries.
He missed some games early in the campaign with a knee problem but has made eight appearances in all competitions this campaign. He has been struggling with a hamstring injury since mid-October.
The Spaniard did make a brief appearance against Bournemouth in early November but is will not play a part against Sunderland on Saturday.
“No,” said Guardiola when asked if Rodri is fit.
“He’s getting better. He’s getting better. I don’t know how long [until he’s back] but he will be ready.”
What else has Pep Guardiola said ahead of Sunderland clash?
Sunderland have impressed on their return to the Premier League and drew 1-1 at Anfield against Liverpool on Wednesday night. They even had a shot cleared off the line in stoppage-time that would have won them the game.
“All I can say from my opinion is that they deserve to be where they are,” said Guardiola.
“When you are promoted and you play well for five games, okay momentum. It can happen.
“But for 14 fixtures in the Premier League with the opponents like everyone suffers to take results in that position they deserve.
“They do it well otherwise they won’t be where they are. Good challenge for us.”
Sunderland drew with Arsenal before the November international break and sit on 23 points after 14 games - just five behind Man City.
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