Pep Guardiola has cast doubt on Rodri's availability for Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea, delivering a worrying fitness update that could shake up Manchester City's Wembley plans.
The Ballon d'Or winner has missed City's last four matchday squads after picking up a calf injury during the closing stages of April's crucial 2-1 win over Arsenal. The 29-year-old Spanish midfielder has been meticulously managed by the club's medical staff ever since, sitting out training ahead of last week's 3-0 victory over Brentford and remaining absent for Wednesday night's 3-0 home win against Crystal Palace.
That victory over Palace kept City's slim title hopes alive and their dream of a domestic treble within reach, but all eyes are now on the FA Cup showpiece at Wembley. With the Premier League season entering its final week-and-a-half and the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Saturday's final represents one of the biggest games of City's campaign—and potentially Rodri's last best chance to feature before the season ends.
When asked directly after Wednesday's match whether his midfield anchor would be fit for the final, Guardiola offered no reassurances. "I don't know. I don't know. We'll see in the next days," the Catalan manager admitted.
The City boss is expected to oversee a light training and recovery session on Thursday before the squad travels to London on Friday. A more concrete update on Rodri's condition is likely when Guardiola faces the press for his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.
Rodri's absence has been keenly felt during the run-in, but Guardiola was quick this week to push back against suggestions City are overly reliant on their midfield maestro. He pointed to the performances of Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, and Bernardo Silva as players who have stepped up admirably in his absence, proving the squad has depth beyond its star names.
For City fans, the next 48 hours will be crucial. If Rodri is cleared to play, it could be the boost Guardiola's side needs to overcome Chelsea and keep their treble hopes alive. If not, the manager's faith in his supporting cast will be put to its toughest test yet.