Rodri suffered a groin injury during Manchester City's 2-1 win against Arsenal, and now Pep Guardiola has provided an update ahead of Wednesday's trip to Burnley
Pep Guardiola press conference
Pep Guardiola will be without some key players(Image: Hayters TV)
View 3 Images
Both Rodri and Ruben Dias have been ruled out of Manchester City's crucial clash with Burnley through injury. Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he'll be without the duo as City bid to go top of the Premier League table on Wednesday.
Sunday's 2-1 victory over Arsenal means that the title race is now in their hands, but it didn't come without a cost. Rodri was substituted in the 88th minute after picking up a groin injury. Although scans have shown that the problem isn't serious, midfielder won't be back in time for their game at Burnley and could be absent for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.
In his pre-match press conference, Guardiola revealed: "I think he will not be ready for tomorrow and we will see for the next games. Maybe [he will be back for] the semi-final with Southampton or in 12 or 13 days against Everton."
Guardiola added that Dias is 'not ready yet', with the centre-back having suffered a hamstring injury during City's game against Real Madrid in the Champions League last month. Dias remains sidelined alongside fellow defender Josko Gvardiol, who's recovering from a broken leg.
Rodri has started each of City's last 11 Premier League games and been instrumental in closing the gap on Arsenal. Alongside Bernardo Silva, the Spaniard was outstanding against Arsenal. "In the last games, both of them have been really important," Guardiola hailed.
"Both of them are experienced and both of them have a personality on the team - like man-marking. They are not young guys any more, they are experienced guys who have played a lot of these types of games and know how they must be played. They were exceptional."
Manchester City's Spanish midfielder #16 Rodri (C-on ground) reacts after being injured during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 19, 2026. (Photo by Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
Rodri came off injured against Arsenal(Image: Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Arsenal will've been top for 200 days by the time City head to Turf Moor, a feat which Guardiola says proves the size of their task. "That means how good they have been, how consistent they have been," the City boss said.
"A game to try to be on the same points as them. Both teams know that we cannot lose or drop points or it will be difficult to recover. Our calendar is so demanding."
Guardiola also urged his players not to be complacent when facing Scott Parker's side, who'll officially be relegated to the Championship if they lose. "We talked immediately after the game, do not lose the focus," he added. "Arsenal is top of the league and right now they would be the champions. The recovery is much less than the last two weeks. It's just two days.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Rodri of Manchester City and Ruben Dias of Manchester City react during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on September 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Rodri and Ruben Dias won't face Burnley(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"That is why I have to see how people are recovering. It's a demanding game we had, both emotionally and physically. But at the same time, we have six games left. We know exactly what is going to happen, when we get the result or if we don't get the result."