Rodri's Road to Recovery: A Struggle for Manchester City's Star Midfielder
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola opens up about the challenges faced by star midfielder Rodri as he battles through a troublesome hamstring injury. Despite his setbacks, Guardiola remains hopeful for Rodri's return to the pitch.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says star midfielder Rodri is "suffering" due to a troublesome hamstring injury. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner picked up the issue in early October, just months on from returning from a long-term knee problem. And while the Spain international is "getting better", he is "struggling" with this newer setback.When Rodri returned to the City team after nine months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury earlier this year, he knew it would take time to return to the form that earned him the Golden Ball. In late June, he said at the Club World Cup: "I feel very, very strong, to be honest. The process was long, but I was taking my time. The most important thing was to keep focused and be strong. Don't be sad or whatever. One day I'll come back and this day has finally come and I'm very excited to play again. I know it's still going to be months until I reach my level, but I'm so happy."At the start of the new season, City did their best to ease Rodri back into action but his injury issues have reared their ugly head again, something Guardiola has bemoaned.Rodri sustained this hamstring injury against Brentford on October 5, a game he only lasted 22 minutes in. The 29-year-old has played just one minute since then, as he appeared as a late substitute against Bournemouth on November 2. And it seems he will have to be patient for a while yet. Guardiola told reporters on Friday: "Do you know what it means playing without the best player in the world two seasons ago? Our main player, when we won the Treble and playing 70 games. [Then] during one year and a half [years] without him. Do you know what we miss? I want him back now...here. He is suffering, he is struggling because he wants to come back, but I want to protect him. I want to be sure right now that we minimise the risk. This is what we want. I want him desperately right now, in Madrid, or the next one but after that six more weeks he is out? No sense. When you have an injured ACL, your body is completely different."City currently sit five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and while they haven't been at their best, they are still title contenders. But it seems Guardiola thinks they would be in a much better position if Rodri had been available for much of this campaign.He added: "Rodri is another level of the players. If Rodri came on for the last 20 minutes against Fulham, put him in the middle and do you know what is the effect? Just his presence, not even touching the ball? The other 10 players feel safe and they play better. What will you do, you're a football player or you are a journalist, over 18 months you cannot do your job. You want to write, you want inspiration and show how good you are and you cannot do it. How do you feel? It feels bad. Of course, he is strong and in some moments he is sad. I would not be happy if he is not sad or concerned. Ahead of us, we have many nightmare things to live. He has to be there. He will be there."While Rodri continues his injury rehab, his City side host high-flying Sunderland at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon. If results go their way this weekend, they could close the gap to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal to two points, should the Gunners lose at third-placed Aston Villa. On newly-promoted Sunderland, Guardiola added: "They deserve to be where they are. Momentum can happen after a few games but after 14 fixtures in the Premier League with these opponents? To be in that position, they deserve it."
Rodri's Injury Struggles
Manchester City's Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, has been facing a challenging road to recovery following a troublesome hamstring injury picked up in early October. This setback came shortly after his return from a long-term knee problem, adding to the Spaniard's frustrations.
A Long Recovery Journey
Having previously suffered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for nine months, Rodri understood the patience required to regain his form. His return earlier this year was marked with determination and resilience, despite the lingering effects of his past injuries.
Guardiola's Concerns
Pep Guardiola expressed his concerns over Rodri's prolonged absence from the team, emphasizing the significant impact the midfielder has on City's performance. Guardiola's focus remains on protecting Rodri's long-term well-being, even if it means delaying his return to ensure minimal risk.
Rodri's Importance to City
Guardiola underlined Rodri's pivotal role within the team, highlighting the sense of security and confidence he instills in his teammates. The absence of a key player like Rodri has been felt on the pitch, impacting City's overall performance and ability to compete at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
As Rodri perseveres through his rehabilitation, Guardiola and City continue to navigate their season without one of their star players. The team's upcoming fixtures, including a clash against Sunderland, pose further challenges as they aim to close the gap on league leaders and remain in the title race.
