Pep Guardiola has offered a crucial update on Rodri's fitness ahead of the FIFA World Cup, admitting there is "a chance" the midfield maestro will be ready for the tournament this summer—but the Manchester City boss is also making it clear that his squad has the depth to thrive without their Ballon d'Or winner.

Rodri has been sidelined with a calf issue since late April, when he limped off during City's 2-1 victory over Arsenal. The 29-year-old has missed the club's last four matchday squads, and with the Premier League title race heating up and an FA Cup final against Chelsea on the horizon, his availability has become one of the biggest talking points of the season's finale.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's home clash with Crystal Palace, Guardiola addressed how City are managing without their midfield anchor—and he didn't shy away from the impact of Rodri's absence.

"Rodri has been almost a year and a half without him at times, and he's the best player in his position when he's fit," Guardiola said. "The team feels better with him, but now Kova (Mateo Kovacic) is coming back, and Nico Gonzalez has helped us a lot. We also have Bernardo Silva, who was exceptional against Brentford. I'm really pleased with that."

When pressed on whether using two midfielders to replace Rodri affects City's attacking flow, Guardiola pushed back on the idea that the team's struggles this season were solely down to his absence. The Catalan boss insisted that while Rodri's quality is unique, the squad has capable deputies who can step up in key moments.

For fans and fantasy managers alike, the big question remains: will Rodri be fit for the World Cup? Guardiola's cautious optimism suggests there's hope—but for now, City's title charge will rely on Kovacic, Nico, and Bernardo to hold the midfield together.