Overview
- González limped off before the hour in the Champions League tie at Villarreal after indicating a possible groin or impact issue.
- Pep Guardiola said he expects Rodri to miss the upcoming Premier League trip to Aston Villa with a muscular injury.
- Mateo Kovačić came on for González, making his first club appearance of the season after Achilles surgery and presenting a short‑term option at No. 6.
- The £50m January signing from Porto has been deputising in defensive midfield but is not widely viewed as a natural replacement for Rodri.
- Guardiola has highlighted González’s coachability and steady improvement, including an unusually long post‑match debrief after the Huddersfield cup win.