Overview

• Rodri sat out the 5-1 win over Burnley with knee pain and was withdrawn after about an hour in the 2-2 draw at Monaco.
• Guardiola said Rodri cannot sustain 90 minutes across multiple games and will be managed step by step through this season.
• He defended replacing Rodri in Monaco, noting González led ball recoveries after coming on despite conceding the late penalty.
• The manager reiterated trust in González, a £50m signing, said Mateo Kovačić is not ready, and stressed protecting players from relapse.
• City reported no new injuries after Monaco and expect the squad to be available for Brentford, with the team unbeaten in six but five points off Liverpool.