Guardiola confirms Rodri's return for City | OneFootball

The Spanish midfielder Rodri, who was injured during the Club World Cup, will be available to face Tottenham in the English Premier League, announced Manchester City's coach, Pep Guardiola, this Friday (22).

"Rodri and Phil [Foden] were not available for the last match, but it was only due to lack of training and rhythm. They are ready to play tomorrow," Guardiola said in a press conference.

On the other hand, the Croatians Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, along with Brazilian striker Savinho, will be absent for the 'Citizens' against the 'Spurs' in this second round of the English league.

Rodri, 29 years old and current Ballon d'Or, was sidelined for almost all of last season due to a serious knee injury.

He returned in May of this year, but was injured again in City's defeat to Al-Hilal (4 to 3) in the round of 16 of the Club Cup.

"I just want the regular Rodri that we all know, that's all. I have no doubts about his potential and his qualities. For now, he remains the best in the world. In a few months, another player will be chosen [Ballon d'Or], but for now it's him," declared Guardiola.

"It's just a matter of consistency and that comes with training, week by week, training after training, game after game, minute by minute," he explained.

After a disappointing season, City started the English Championship with a 4-0 thrashing over Wolverhampton, but Guardiola prefers to remain cautious.

"It's just one game. I like many things I'm seeing, in training and behaviors. I like it, but I'm not a magician to know what will happen," he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.