Manchester City star Rodri is not entirely comfortable coming back from a serious knee injury and may not be risked against Arsenal in the Premier League at the end of Sunday’s intense week of match, Pep Guardiola said.
Rodri, the monarch Ballon d’Or winnerwho was out for eight months last season due to an ACL injury, but has recovered his full fitness after a set break during the summer at the Club World Cup.
After missing the start of the season, Rodri played most of his 3-0 victory in the league with Manchester United on Sunday, starting again with Napoli 2-0 victory I asked them to leave in 60 minutes at the Champions League on Thursday.
Asked if Rodri is ready to play another huge match at Arsenal this weekend, Guardiola said: “That’s a good question. I don’t know yet.”
Guardiola noted that Rodri said he didn’t feel comfortable during training Wednesday before he played against Napoli.
“Of course he comes from a tough, severe injury. We have to be vigilant. We’ll decide how he feels on Sunday,” Guardiola said.
“I see it here, the best, greatest player I’ve trained in my management career,” Guardiola said, pointing to his head.
Arsenal spending
Being without Rodri against Arsenal would be a big blow to the city. Lost at 5-1 Last season on a recent league trip to Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal spent Approximately £250 million ($335 million) against new players in the summer transfer window is a big statement of the club’s intentions to win its first major trophy since 2020 after finishing the semi-finals in the Champions League last season, following the final of the Premier League runner-up.
It puts additional pressure on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was once an assistant to the city’s Guardiola.
“I’m telling my friend Mikel Arteta, if he wins the title, it’s not because he’s doing a lot, not because he’s playing a player, but because he’s (a lot).
“It’s a bit like Liverpool. If Arne (slots) wins again (Premier League), that’s because he spent a lot of money, because it’s not just Man City that happens.
Guardiola said Arsenal’s spending has made Arteta’s team the best in Europe.
“Step by step, window by window, Arsenal is getting better,” he said. “Last season in Europe, they took an incredible step and are my most solid team. In all divisions, what a team.”
Arsenal is second in the league, three points ahead of Liverpool and three points ahead of the eighth city.
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