Pep Guardiola must learn from key mistake as Rodri returns to Man City training
Manchester City were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa on Sunday, but some positive news has emerged regarding Rodri’s fitness.
Rodri suffered a hamstring injury during Man City’s 1-0 win over Brentford at the start of October, with the Spaniard since facing weeks on the sidelines.
The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder missed most of the 2024/25 campaign after undergoing surgery on his ACL, and has since experienced muscle problems.
Mick Brown told Football Insider in August that Man City are worried about Rodri’s injury troubles when discussing the possibility of a new contract.
But supporters will be delighted to see that the 29-year-old is closing in on a return to action.
Rodri returns to Man City training
On Monday (October 27), Rodri was pictured in Man City training for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury during the win against Brentford.
🚨💙 Rodri returns in training with Man City squad ahead of upcoming games after muscle injury. pic.twitter.com/xOUiZXIfWb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2025
That is fantastic news for Pep Guardiola, who wants his midfielder to be available consistently as they aim to get back in the Premier League title race.
Man City’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Sunday put the Cityzens six points behind leaders Arsenal after their victory over Crystal Palace.
However, Rodri’s return to the lineup in the coming weeks restores hope that the Gunners can be caught at the top of the table.
Arguably the best midfielder in world football and the lynchpin of Guardiola’s system, Rodri’s defensive, passing and attacking qualities hold the key to their success.
Pep Guardiola shouldn’t rush Rodri back
Excitement will surround the Etihad Stadium knowing that Rodri is almost available for selection, but he shouldn’t be rushed back into the starting lineup.
The Spanish international only returned from his ACL injury on the final home game of the 2024/25 season, coming off the bench in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Rodri was out of action for eight months before coming back and was then thrust into the jam-packed schedule, which included four appearances in the Club World Cup.
Guardiola then decided to start the midfielder thrice in a row – against Manchester United, Napoli and Arsenal – in the space of a week after the September international break.
That was when concerns over his fitness emerged, and he then suffered an injury against Brentford. The Man City manager must avoid this scenario from playing out once more by easing him back into the schedule, instead of throwing him in at the deep end.