Rodri ruled out again as Manchester City face new concerns

Manchester City will have to face Aston Villa without one of their most essential players: Rodrigo Hernández. The Spanish midfielder, often described as the heart of Pep Guardiola’s team, will not be available this Sunday due to a hamstring injury sustained before the international break.

Rodri has already missed City’s last two fixtures, against Everton in the Premier League and Villarreal in the Champions League, and his recovery appears to be taking longer than expected. “The players who didn’t play against Villarreal will also be out this weekend,” Guardiola confirmed during a press conference, indicating that neither Rodri nor Abdukodir Khusanov will feature at Villa Park.

The Spaniard’s absence represents not only a tactical loss but also an emotional one for a team that depends heavily on his balance and composure. Since joining the club, Rodri has established himself as one of the most complete midfielders in the world, and his presence or lack thereof, often defines City’s rhythm both defensively and in possession.

City’s dependence on Rodri: a recurring issue

Every time Rodri is missing, Manchester City feel the impact. It was evident last season when the Spaniard’s suspensions and injuries coincided with the team’s most inconsistent spells. His ability to dictate tempo, recover the ball, and anchor possession is crucial to Guardiola’s philosophy.

In his absence, youngster Nico González has been tasked with covering the defensive midfield role, but he was forced off with a foot issue in the Champions League clash against Villarreal, replaced by Mateo Kovacic. Guardiola admitted that the club will assess Nico’s condition before Sunday’s trip to Villa Park, leaving more uncertainty in midfield.

This situation exposes a clear vulnerability in City’s squad: without Rodri, the tactical system loses stability, and their transitions become less fluid. Guardiola is aware of this and prefers to avoid rushing the Spaniard’s return, prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term fixes.

A dangerous Aston Villa under Unai Emery

The challenge could not come at a tougher time. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have been in great form, especially at home, where they’ve turned Villa Park into a fortress. The Birmingham side’s defensive structure and pressing intensity could prove a major test for a City side missing its on-field general.

Guardiola will likely rely on players such as Bernardo Silva or Mateo Kovacic to take on playmaking duties, but neither can fully replicate Rodri’s mix of vision, balance, and physicality. Against a fast, confident Villa side, his absence could be a defining factor in the match’s outcome.

A true test of the champions’ resilience

Beyond the result, this match will test Manchester City’s mental and tactical resilience. Currently sitting second in the table, three points behind Arsenal, the reigning champions must rediscover their rhythm without their most consistent performer.

With a packed schedule across domestic and European competitions, Rodri’s injury comes at a delicate time. Although Guardiola remains calm publicly, his comments reveal the underlying concern: City need their midfield anchor back as soon as possible.

Until then, the Premier League champions will have to adapt once again, proving that even without their most valuable piece, they can still rise to the occasion.