Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that midfielder Rodri will miss Tuesday's Premier League match at Burnley due to a groin injury and may not return until May. The Spaniard praised Rodri and Bernardo Silva as exceptional after City's 2-1 win over Arsenal. Guardiola also provided updates on other injuries and John Stones' contract situation.
Pep Guardiola spoke ahead of Manchester City's Premier League trip to Turf Moor on Tuesday, where a victory would see them overtake Arsenal at the top of the table for the first time in over 200 days. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, suffered a groin injury and was substituted in the 88th minute of Sunday's 2-1 home win over leaders Arsenal. 'We cannot forget that we had 16 or 17 months without Rodri,' Guardiola said, hopeful for his return in the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton on Saturday at Wembley Stadium (17:15 BST). He added that Rodri might not play until May otherwise, highlighting the challenges without key players like Mateo Kovacic, who has been sidelined much of the season by Achilles and ankle issues, featuring only briefly since October 21 in the April 12 win at Chelsea. Nico Gonzalez replaced Rodri against Arsenal and has helped maintain City's form, Guardiola noted, crediting the squad's body language. Ruben Dias will miss a fourth straight match with an ankle injury, while John Stones is back in training after limited appearances this season—his last Premier League start was October 26 at Aston Villa. Stones' contract expires at season's end, but Guardiola had no further update, calling his return 'the best news.' City have five Premier League games left after Burnley, with Guardiola warning of the demanding schedule: 'Both teams know we cannot lose or drop points.' Burnley, on the brink of relegation, face City unbeaten in 29 matches against promoted sides.
