Alex MacQuoid
Rodri Sidelined for FA Cup Semi-Final as Manchester City Eyes Domestic Treble
Rodri will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton this weekend, but manager Pep Guardiola expressed cautious optimism about the Spanish midfielder’s return on Friday.
The 29-year-old has endured a difficult campaign. After missing over seven months following a cruciate ligament tear in 2024, he has suffered multiple knee and hamstring injuries this season. He was forced off during City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday and subsequently missed the 1-0 victory over Burnley on Wednesday.
Guardiola Adopts Cautious Approach
“He’s better,” Guardiola told reporters, emphasizing that the club would not rush the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner back to action. “We don’t want to take a risk, because if he’s injured, and we lose him the next five games. Rodri is so important.”
The manager acknowledged City’s demanding schedule and the emotional toll recent matches have taken on his squad. “It was so demanding, the game against Arsenal, emotionally,” Guardiola said. “The people were so tired, and they took a train for hours.”
Squad Rotation and Injury Management
Guardiola confirmed that aside from Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, City’s remaining players are fit. However, he raised concerns about fatigue levels heading into a potential extra-time encounter. “The question is will they be ready for tomorrow to play 90 minutes or maybe extra time, with a lot of players that have a lot of minutes in their legs,” he said.
City’s winning 1-0 over Burnley sent Guardiola’s side to the top of the Premier League table, ahead of Arsenal on goals scored. The club is pursuing a domestic treble after winning the League Cup last month.
Focus on Southampton Challenge
Guardiola said his players were content leading the hunt for their seventh league title since 2017/18, but their immediate focus was Saturday’s semi-final. “They are happy. The guys who don’t play as much, not so much happy. We are just focusing on the game tomorrow,” he explained.
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