Overview

• Pep Guardiola says a day-by-day decision will determine whether Rodri starts at the Emirates after the midfielder felt discomfort in training and asked to come off after about an hour against Napoli.
• Guardiola cautions that Rodri is not yet at his Ballon d'Or level and stresses the knee “needs its process,” with City carefully monitoring game time during a three-match week.
• Rodri outlines a gradual return, saying he must be smart with minutes, build fitness step by step, and avoid trying to play every game at this stage.
• Zubimendi has taken the pivot role for Spain since Rodri’s injury, earned a move to Arsenal, and was hailed by coach Luis de la Fuente as the second-best in the world in that position.
• Bernardo Silva underscores Rodri’s importance to City, saying even a below-peak Rodri offers a higher level than many players, reinforcing the value of having him back on the pitch.