Overview
- Pep Guardiola confirmed Rodri will miss Saturday’s match against Sunderland and said the midfielder could be ready in a few weeks, without setting a date.
- Guardiola said Mateo Kovacic’s ankle issue includes calcification and will keep him out for a while, indicating a months-long absence.
- Manchester Evening News listed provisional return windows—December/January for Rodri and February for Kovacic—which are projections rather than official club timelines.
- Rodri’s hamstring setback has extended a stop‑start comeback after last season’s ACL injury, leaving him out for 11 games so far and set to miss a 12th this weekend.
- Guardiola acknowledged recent defensive concerns, noting City conceded six goals across their last two matches even as they continue their pursuit of leaders Arsenal.