Concern at Manchester City: Rodri Still Has No Return Date
He was meant to lead Manchester City’s midfield for years, but Rodri’s uncertain recovery is testing everyone’s patience at the Etihad.
The injury that changed everything
What looked like a minor setback turned into a long, painful recovery. In late September 2024, Rodri suffered a serious knee ligament and meniscus injury during a Premier League match against Brentford, forcing him to undergo surgery and miss more than seven months of action. Reports from ESPN and Transfermarkt estimated a layoff of around 236 days, a devastating blow for one of the most complete midfielders in world football.
At the time of his injury, the Spaniard—fresh off winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or—was at the very peak of his career. His control of tempo, positional awareness, and leadership made him the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s system. Without him, City lost its rhythm, and the Spanish national team was left without its tactical anchor.
A worrying comeback
Rodri eventually returned to the squad this season, but his performances have yet to reach his usual standard. He left the pitch against Brentford after just 20 minutes, clutching the same leg that had sidelined him for months. Since then, he’s alternated between light training sessions and individual recovery work, unable to regain full consistency.
Ahead of this weekend’s match against Everton, Guardiola admitted his concern: “Rodri won’t play, and I don’t know when he’ll be back.” Those words sparked fresh worry among fans and analysts alike. According to The Guardian, Guardiola also revealed that Rodri “still can’t handle three matches a week,” and the medical staff is prioritizing patience over risk.
An irreplaceable presence
Rodri isn’t just another midfielder — he’s City’s metronome. His vision, timing, and tactical discipline are what keep the team balanced between chaos and control. Even with options like Mateo Kovačić and Kalvin Phillips, the gap is evident. The system simply doesn’t function with the same fluency.
At 29 years old, Rodri still has time to reclaim his best form, but the club’s growing caution says it all. Guardiola knows that rushing him back could cost far more than a few league points. For now, City must wait — hoping that their most indispensable player can return to being the steady heartbeat that drives their success.
