While Pep Guardiola has dealt with major injuries at Manchester City in the past, Rodri’s absence has perhaps given him the biggest challenge of his career.
Unlike Rodri, the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero — who have been sidelined for months through injury in the past were only hugely key to how City attack but not how they defend — an area that has become the Premier League champions’ kryptonite since his absence.
Rodri won the Ballon d’Or — signifying that his contribution defensively and going forward is widely viewed as one of a kind for both club and country.
Pep Guardiola ruled out managing Brazil after Manchester City’s 4-1 defeat against Sporting CP — expressing that he was up for the challenge of steering his side to their best version once again.
In the midfield maestro’s absence, the Sky Blues look like a shell of themselves as a team — losing their last four games for the first time since 2006.
Manchester City will have to return to winning ways instantly after the international break to stay in the race for the Premier League crown.
Rodri claims he could return from injury “this season”
Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City needed the international break after their latest 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Things are looking far from smooth at the Etihad Stadium as they find themselves in somewhat of a crisis.
Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, Rodri has revealed that he could recover from his ACL injury and play for Manchester City sometime this season.
The Spanish international said: “I have in mind to play this season.”
“Now, the seasons are getting longer and the [FIFA Club] World Cup ends on July 13, I have in mind to return this year, as a challenge.”
Rodri added: “I’ve already started walking and I’m feeling better than I thought.”
“Gavi used to say: ‘I need to play football’. At my age, you see it differently, you have time to rest and recover well.”
When the news about his setback first broke, it was claimed Rodri’s ACL injury ruled out for the season.
Pep Guardiola also stated in his press conference via Sky Sports that his countryman’s “season is over” in late September.
But it seems like Rodri reckons he could play a part this campaign — which would be music to every Manchester City supporters’ ears and a frightening prospect for Liverpool and Arsenal fans — due to how he could swing the title race in the defending champions’ favour.
Why Pep Guardiola compared Rodri to Lionel Messi
Pep Guardiola compared Rodri to Lionel Messi due to how crucial he is to this City side in comparison to how important the Argentine was to Barcelona’s best teams.
Guardiola claimed last month: “Imagine in any sports, in basketball, Golden State Warriors play without Stephen Curry or Barcelona in their prime play without [Lionel] Messi.”
“So, they should be different. They should be less strong. It’s the same with us. Rodri is irreplaceable, we know it and the players [know it] and we have to move on.”
Considering Pep Guardiola effectively views Rodri as Manchester City’s protagonist, the Catalan tactician will be hoping that he makes a miraculous return to full fitness this season.
The 28-year-old’s return to the pitch could transform City’s campaign once again.
But Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will not be tempted to take any needless risks with Rodri’s injury and instead, let arguably their best and most important player to take all the time in the world to fully heal.
