Overview
- Pep Guardiola said he is “100% convinced” Rodri will return to his best but stressed City will not rush him.
- Rodri was left out of the matchday squad against Liverpool, with the confirmed XI and bench naming no place for him.
- The 29-year-old is in a stop-start comeback after an ACL, with a hamstring setback, a one-minute cameo against Bournemouth, and no part in the win over Borussia Dortmund.
- Nico Gonzalez continues at holding midfield and has been praised for progress, with Guardiola noting Rodri’s guidance, as Mateo Kovacic remains unavailable.
- Local analysis notes his contract runs to 2027 and raises early, unconfirmed speculation about long-term plans and potential outside interest.