Rodri injury shakes City: Al Hilal defeat dents morale ahead of Premier League start

Rodri’s short-lived return ends in setback

Manchester City bowed out of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 4-3 extra-time defeat to Al Hilal, but the most worrying development was Rodri’s recurrence of injury. The Spanish midfielder, having rediscovered his rhythm during pre-season, came on in the second half but could only stay on the pitch for 47 minutes.

Guardiola confirms pain and further tests

Having missed most of the 2024–25 season due to a knee injury, Rodri’s return this summer had once again elevated City’s overall quality. However, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed after the match that the player had felt pain again and would undergo detailed examinations.

“Rodri mentioned he wasn’t feeling right. We need a bit of time to fully understand what’s going on,”

said Guardiola, stressing the need to manage the situation carefully.

From Ballon d'Or to the treatment table

Rodri was coming off the best season of his career before this injury. In the 2023–24 season, the Spanish midfielder made 50 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, scoring 9 goals and providing 15 assists, playing a pivotal role in the club’s Premier League title run. Alongside his club achievements, he enjoyed a major tournament with Spain, leading his national team to glory at EURO 2024 and being named the tournament’s best player. This extraordinary year also earned him the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Frustrating 2024–25 campaign continues

However, the injury that followed this peak sidelined him for almost the entirety of the 2024–25 campaign. So far, Rodri has only played in 8 matches, 4 of which came in the Club World Cup, and has recorded just 1 assist all season.

Rodri’s absence disrupts City's balance

His absence had a clear and measurable impact on City’s performance last season. The balance in midfield was disrupted, vulnerabilities emerged in transition phases, and City struggled to impose control and were more vulnerable defensively. Without Rodri, opponents increasingly found joy through the centre, and the team’s dominance in second balls visibly declined. This disrupted the rhythm of Guardiola’s possession-centric philosophy. Without Rodri, the midfield lacked cohesion and continuity, the team struggled to progress the ball and maintain inter-block fluidity. City became increasingly reliant on wide channels, passing sequences broke down more frequently, and the game became more predictable. City at times struggled to dominate play and couldn’t consistently impose their trademark superiority. Especially in high-stakes matches, Rodri’s absence was felt more acutely, with the team’s mental resilience and on-pitch organisation taking a noticeable hit.

Haaland also came off: fatigue alert

Guardiola had more to deal with. Norwegian forward Erling Haaland was also forced off before extra time began. Guardiola explained that it was not an injury but fatigue:

“He said he couldn’t continue. He was physically exhausted.”

Despite setbacks, Guardiola sees signs of hope

Despite these developments, Guardiola said the internal bonds within the squad had strengthened and there were promising signs ahead of the new season. He especially highlighted Bernardo Silva’s leadership role in holding the team together:

“There was great energy in training. The players support each other, the staff are working hard. We’ve made big progress this summer,”

he noted.

Praise for Al Hilal: “Very tough opponent”

The experienced manager also praised their opponents, Al Hilal.

“They’re a very well-organised team. They run tirelessly, keep possession well and never lose their discipline. Playing against them was a serious challenge,”

he said.

Rodri’s recovery could shape City's season

City’s early-season rhythm could be defined by Rodri’s availability. If the Spanish midfielder is sidelined for several weeks, it will not just be a case of missing a key player; it will directly impact the team’s tempo, transition game and defensive solidity. While there are alternative options in the squad, replicating the game intelligence and balance Rodri provides is no easy task. That’s why his recovery process holds critical importance in Guardiola’s season planning.