Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed uncertainty over when injured midfielder Rodri will be fit enough to return to action, ruling him out of Tuesday’s trip to Fulham.
Rodri, who missed much of last season with a knee injury, has featured only once in Man City’s last 10 matches, a one-minute cameo, due to a hamstring issue.
The 29-year-old has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Premier League trip to Fulham and is a doubt for Saturday’s home game against Sunderland.
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“No, not yet,” Guardiola said when asked during a brief Monday press conference if Rodri was available.
Pressed on whether the midfielder could feature at the weekend, he added, “I don’t know.”
Guardiola also addressed the situation surrounding goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who received his fourth yellow card in City’s dramatic 3–2 win over Leeds on Saturday.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke accused the Italian of feigning injury to allow Guardiola to deliver a key tactical message, and Donnarumma is now just one booking away from a suspension.
“Yes, he has a lot; he has many,” Guardiola said of Donnarumma’s bookings. “It is what it is.”
Asked if he had spoken to the keeper about it, he replied, “No.”
The City boss was more open when discussing Fulham manager Marco Silva, praising the organisation and improvement of Fulham’s play, particularly after their impressive 2–1 win over Tottenham.
“Marco has been there for many, many years, and always when we’ve been there, really tough games,” Guardiola said. “The organisation is exceptional, and every year with the ball, they are better. Tough, tough opponent.
“It’s always so difficult for opponents to break them down, especially at Craven Cottage in London.”
