City’s Cup Quest on Hold: Rodri’s Return Delayed as Haaland Heals

Match Context

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola confirmed that Rodri is not yet ready to feature for the team.

City are set to take on Swansea City on Wednesday in the fourth round of the English League Cup (Carabao Cup).

In the pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: "Erling Haaland suffered a knock and is improving day by day."

He added: "We will know his status after tonight's training and decide whether he can play, but we might give him a rest."

"Rodri is still not ready, but he is improving and training with us; I have no idea when he will be fully back, hopefully soon."

Regarding facing a lower- division side, Guardiola said: "This isn't the first time; I've been here for ten years and played many cup games; we take these matches seriously, otherwise we wouldn't have had success in the past, so we prepare the same way with intense focus, sometimes even more."

“Rayan Aït-Nouri is ready and available for the match.”

From Ballon d'Or to the Operating Room

Just a year ago, Rodri celebrated a landmark moment, lifting the Ballon d'Or after a standout season that saw him win the Premier League, Champions League, and the European Championship with his country. The Madrid-born midfielder, once overlooked for his physique, had become the world’s best pivot—the heartbeat of City and a symbol of their relentless success.

His journey to the top included a move back to Atlético Madrid in 2018 for €20m, and then a rapid leap to Manchester City in 2019 for €70m, a record transfer for the club at the time.

Under Guardiola, Rodri evolved into City’s "perfect pivot," not only orchestrating play but infusing energy and resilience into the whole side. He helped City win four consecutive Premier League titles and scored a historic final goal that clinched their first Champions League trophy. Then came Euro 2024 glory with Spain and the Ballon d'Or, a peak that crowned his career—before a hidden cliff edge.

The Knee That Broke the Dream

In September 2024, at the height of his powers, Rodri suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury, later revealed to involve medial and lateral menisci damage—the so‑called "triple whammy" of knee injuries. Specialist surgeons noted that when the menisci and ACL are damaged together, recovery becomes more complex and outcomes less predictable.

Madrid-based surgeon Manuel Liess, renowned for treating stars like Ramos and Suarez, led the operation. He noted that Rodri is "very smart and has excellent medical support," but a clash with Guardiola over return speed emerged as the two navigated the long road back together.