Rodri's Absence Tests City's Grit: Can Guardiola's Midfield Hold Up?
16 October 2025
Rodri's Injury and Training Gap
Manchester City’s Thursday training session showed a notable absence: Spanish midfielder Rodri was sidelined due to an injury he picked up just before the latest international window. He had managed 22 minutes in City’s last tilt with Brentford before departing the field with a hamstring strain, prompting concern about his readiness for the upcoming fixtures.
While officials have downplayed the seriousness, British outlets have suggested Rodri has not returned to full training yet. Theiyar Daily Mail reported that the injury is not considered severe, but return timelines remain uncertain as the squad presses on through a busy period.
City's Midfield Challenge and Next Steps
As a result, Rodri’s absence could prevent him from suiting up for Saturday’s clash with Everton at the Etihad, a fixture City would typically target with confidence. Since the start of the season, Rodri has featured in only a pair of full appearances as the coaching staff has shielded him from the risk of a relapse after last season’s lengthy layoff.
The setback also came at a time when Rodri’s absence kept him out of Spain’s national team during the recent international break, depriving the Spaniard of another chance to regain sharpness and form ahead of the World Cup qualification push. The midfield pivot—long a cornerstone of City’s control—now faces a test of depth and resilience.
Tactical Context: The Pinch Point and Potential Fixes
Rodri’s long-term impact has never been just about breaking up play; he has been the metronome that sets City’s tempo, guiding transitions from defense to attack with surgical precision. His absence has coincided with a perceived dip in balance and fluency, especially in moments when the team has needed exacting control and defensive cover behind the pressing line.
Historically, Guardiola has leaned on reliable rotations and interim options when Rodri isn’t available. In January, the coach added cover—most notably Nico Gonzalez—to ensure there is capable coverage in the middle. The immediate plan for Everton’s visit will likely feature a combination of recalled squad players, with managers weighing fresh bodies and experience to keep City’s rhythm intact.
From Setbacks to Comebacks
The broader season narrative has been punctuated by a post-injury dip in late 2024, a phase City weathered as they balanced European ambitions with relentless league pressure. The absence of Rodri, coupled with strategic blows to other midfield pillars, has forced a rethinking of the City identity—shifting focus toward tighter spacing, smarter pressing, and a more pragmatic approach to sustaining results through mid-season fatigue.
Even so, City remains a squad rich in talent. While some players have stepped up, the floor in midfield commands remains an area of concern until Rodri returns to his former tempo. The summer window did bring additional depth, with a wave of new faces and experienced hands aimed at future-proofing the engine room for multiple campaigns. City’s challenge now is to translate potential into consistent performance during Rodri’s spell on the sidelines.
Punchline 1: City without Rodri is like a sniper without a scope—still deadly, just a tad less precise.
Punchline 2: If football had a fast-forward button, Guardiola would press it twice—for Rodri’s return and for a midfield upgrade at the same time.
