A key Manchester City midfielder needs time to get back to his best | OneFootball

The biggest injury concern for Manchester City to come out of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign surrounded Rodri. The Spanish international sustained a thigh injury during Manchester City’s 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal. As Pep Guardiola’s squad returned to pre-season training all eyes were on the fitness of Rodri. Speaking ahead of his team’s friendly against Palermo which takes place later today, Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Rodri’s fitness. Manchester City are continuing to take a cautious approach with Rodri’s return from the ACL injury he sustained last season.

Pep Guardiola reveals that Rodri sustained a ‘big’ injury in the United States.

Rodri wasn’t selected in Manchester City’s travelling squad for today’s friendly against Palermo. Speaking ahead of the match, in an interview published on mancity.com, Pep Guardiola explained how Rodri is tracking. The City manager revealed that Rodri sustained a big injury during the FIFA Club World Cup. He added that it is expected that Rodri will be back to full fitness after the September international break. Guardiola told the media: “Rodri’s getting better but he had a big injury in the last game against Al-Hilal and for the last five or six weeks.”

“He’s training right now and in the last two or three days he’s better. Hopefully, maybe the international break is when he will be really really fit.“

There is no need for Manchester City to take any risks with Rodri’s fitness.

Rodri did show signs that he will return to his best at the FIFA Club World Cup. His performance against Juventus in Manchester City’s 5-2 win over the Italian giants was a testament to this. But what is also apparent is that Rodri needs time to regain his fitness. That fact stood out as City crashed out of the tournament at the round of 16 stage.

There is nothing to gain for Manchester City by rushing Rodri back on the pitch. That is too risky and if he were to suffer a setback it would be a massive blow for Pep Guardiola’s side. Caution is the order of the day in regards to Rodri’s fitness. That is seemingly the path City will take as they bid to get their most important player back to his best.