Rodri informs Manchester City of fresh injury fears as Premier League season looms
The Spain international midfielder made his long-awaited return to consistent match action for Manchester City during the club's now-concluded run at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
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Having been integrated into on-field match action during the end of the last Premier League season, it was deemed necessary to filter the Ballon d'Or winner back into the teams competing in the group stage of the Club World Cup this summer.
Taking on two blocks of half-hour appearances in the group stage matches against Wydad AC and Al Ain, Pep Guardiola then handed Rodri his first start for Manchester City since September 2024 against Juventus on matchday three.
With the original plan being to utilise the midfielder for just 45 minutes, the half-time interval saw Rodri indicate a firm desire to continue and the Spaniard would complete just shy of 70 minutes on the pitch in Orlando, Florida.
Coming on early in the second-half against Al Hilal in the last-16 of the tournament on Monday night, Rodri was then withdrawn as the match reached the 100-minute mark in extra-time with many wondering whether more was at play rather than taking care of his minutes.
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And speaking after the contest during his post-match press conference, manager Pep Guardiola told reporters, 'We have to see Rodri; he complained about his [injury] situation,' with no further details provided.
Now, according to the information of MailSport's Jack Gaughan, Rodri had complained of fitness issues over the course of the past week as he continues to build his comeback from last season's serious knee injury.
For now, it remains unknown as to the extent of the midfielder's complaints, although the Manchester City star will now be granted around four weeks away from training ground activities due to the club's exit from the United States-hosted tournament.
Pep Guardiola's side and their dramatic 3-4 defeat to Al Hilal after extra-time has led to Manchester City returning to the City Football Academy earlier than anticipated, and as such work is not due to recommence until the end of July.
The brand new Premier League season will then get back underway around two weeks after the club's return to training, with an away trip to face Wolves at Molineux scheduled for Saturday 16 August at 17:30.
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