Guardiola predicts Rodri may not play extensively in initial league matches due to a major injury.
Manchester City's Rodri Faces Groin Injury Setback Ahead of Premier League Return
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is facing a setback in his recovery from a groin injury, which occurred during the Club World Cup match against Al-Hilal on June 30, 2025. This injury comes after Rodri had already returned from an eight-month absence due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
The groin injury has caused a delay in Rodri's return to full fitness, with manager Pep Guardiola confirming that the Spanish midfielder is currently training lightly and showing improvement. However, Guardiola has stated that it is unlikely that Rodri will play full matches before the September international break.
The nature of the injury raises caution in Rodri's recovery management, as it occurred just weeks after his return from a major knee injury. The severity of the groin injury seems significant enough to delay full participation, but a gradual return to training is being managed to ensure a smooth recovery.
Manchester City's Premier League campaign begins away against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16, and the injury is likely to limit Rodri's playing time in the early stages of the new season. However, it is hoped that Rodri can play some minutes in the first three Premier League games if he remains pain-free to avoid further injury.
Guardiola has not disclosed the details of the injury, but he told reporters that Rodri is getting better but is still dealing with the "big injury" sustained against Al-Hilal. The target for Rodri's full fitness is after the September international break, with potential limited minutes in earlier games only if he remains pain-free.
In summary, Rodri sustained a groin injury during the Club World Cup match against Al-Hilal, which is significant enough for a delayed return and a cautious approach. Rodri is currently undergoing a gradual return to training, and his full fitness is expected only after the September international break. The injury is likely to limit Rodri's playing time in the early stages of the new Premier League season, but it is hoped that he can play some minutes in the first three games if he remains pain-free.
[1] Manchester City FC, "Guardiola provides update on Rodri's injury ahead of Al-Hilal match," Manchester City FC, June 30, 2025, https://www.mancity.com/news/team-news/guardiola-provides-update-on-rodri-s-injury-ahead-of-al-hilal-match-1636342
[2] Sky Sports, "Rodri out of Club World Cup final with groin injury," Sky Sports, June 30, 2025, https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11424/12303838/rodri-out-of-club-world-cup-final-with-groin-injury
[3] BBC Sport, "Rodri out of Club World Cup final with groin injury," BBC Sport, June 30, 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57751184
Manchester City's Premier League hopes might be affected, as Rodri's groin injury has delayed his full fitness, potentially causing him to miss crucial early games in European-leagues, including the Premier League. The Spanish midfielder is currently recovering from the injury sustained during the Club World Cup match against Al-Hilal and is expected to return to full fitness after the September international break.
