Manchester City are set to face Brentford in their next Premier League match on October 5 at Gtech Community Stadium.
After facing a 2-2 draw against Monaco in their second Champions League match of the 2025/26 campaign, City will now return to action in the top flight, where they stand seventh with 10 points in six matches.
Man City head coach Pep Guardiola, who has missed the services of some of his important players, including Rayan Ait-Nouri and Abdukodir Khusanov in the past weeks, has now shared an update on his squad's fitness ahead of the upcoming league clash.
And it is good news for the Cityzens as the Catalan coach confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns for Man City's trip to Brentford. During his pre-match press conference, Guardiola told reporters,
"We train this afternoon but it looks good, no one left without a problem."
Man City's Champions League game this week saw Rodri coming off the pitch in the 61st minute and being replaced by Nico Gonzalez. This raised concerns about the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner's fitness after he returned to action following his long absence due to a cruciate ligament tear in September last year.
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What did Pep Guardiola say about Manchester City's Rodri?
Last week, Guardiola explained Rodri's absence in City’s league clash against Burnley and mentioned that the Spaniard experienced discomfort in the knee that was injured last campaign.
Now, Guardiola has shed light on how things unfolded in the match against Monaco and Rodri's current situation, and said,
"Rodri could not play three days before because his knee was in a bad condition. That's why Nico in those [last] 30 minutes [against Monaco], he was the player that won more balls recovered, and we concede less in the transition, than when Rodri was playing in the first half."
"I'd love to tell you yes because Rodri wasn't on the pitch we conceded the goal but I can't prove that because if I felt it, Rodri would be on the pitch. Rodri cannot play in certain moments and 90 minutes for many games and Nico played really good against Burnley and he's learning and improving. We need him."
"Rodri can't sustain yet the rhythm for games for 90 minutes, he made an incredible effort in the week with Manchester United, Napoli and especially Arsenal. I try to protect my players. Sometimes I want the best players there but I have to protect the players."
While Man City will be hoping for Rodri to regain his consistency soon, it remains to be seen if Guardiola & Co. will be able to extend their six-match undefeated streak across competitions on Sunday.
Manchester City news and related links
- Brentford boss shows 'ultimate respect' to Guardiola ahead of PL clash against Man City
- Manchester City identify Bundesliga star as ideal Rodri replacement
- Guardiola ignores 'Spanish referees' question after controversial penalty decision