Rodri has hit the headlines after his red card for Manchester City in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
The Spaniard has been slapped with a three-game ban after putting his hands around the throat of Morgan Gibbs-White.
However, the Manchester City fans will actually be able to see Rodri back in action after just two games. Why? Let’s take a look…
Why Rodri can play again after just two games
Well, due to the fact that Manchester City’s No.16 picked up his red card in the Premier League, he will only be suspended for domestic outings.
Rodri will firstly be absent for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Newcastle United.
The 27-year-old will then miss Saturday’s Premier League encounter against Wolves.
Rodri’s domestic ban then comes to an end after the Premier League game against Arsenal on Sunday 8th October.
However, the Spain international will be available to Pep Guardiola just before that trip to the Emirates Stadium, when Manchester City face RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday 4th October.
As aforesaid, Rodri’s suspension is only for domestic outings, as he picked up the red card in a Premier League game, so his availability for European clashes will not be affected.
Had the £62.8m Spaniard been sent off against Red Star Belgrade – for example – he would have been banned for three European games, but available for Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup games, so it works both ways.
While Rodri’s domestic absence comes as a huge blow to Guardiola and Manchester City, the treble winners will at least have the Madrid-born maestro available for what looks set to be a tough test against RB Leipzig.
The German side are – with all due respect – Manchester City’s toughest opponent in Group G in comparison to Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys, so this should come as a boost to supporters who want to see the Citizens win their UEFA Champions League group.
