Pep Guardiola Brief on Rodri Injury Update

Rodri's Fulham return doubtful as Guardiola confirms absence

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirms Rodri won't play against Fulham, citing ongoing hamstring injury.

Pep Guardiola was brief when asked about Rodri's availability for Tuesday's clash against Fulham...

Manchester City are facing a tough challenge against Fulham without their key midfielder Rodri, who won't be featuring in Tuesday's clash. Pep Guardiola confirmed the news, saying Rodri is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

City recently bounced back from back-to-back losses with a win over Leeds United, and Arsenal's draw against Chelsea has put them back in the title hunt. The Reds have dominated Fulham in their last five meetings and will look to continue that trend at Craven Cottage.

Guardiola praised Fulham manager Marco Silva, calling his team “exceptional” and “tough” to play against. The Citizens will need to find a way to break down Fulham's solid defense, but they're confident after their recent win over Leeds.

Did Donnarumma Cheat? Farke 

Accuses Goalkeeper of Faking Injury

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning an injury to allow Pep Guardiola to give tactical instructions during their 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium. Farke claimed it was “obvious” why Donnarumma went down, suggesting it was a deliberate move to gain an advantage.

Farke expressed frustration, stating, “If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play, sportsmanship, if you try to bend the rules to your advantage, and you can fake an injury in order to do an additional team talk, I think it's not something I personally like.”

Guardiola defended the tactic, implying it's within the rules, while Joe Hart dismissed criticism, saying, “I don't know how he's medically allowed to say Donnarumma wasn't injured.”

Pep Guardiola on Donnarumma picking up a fourth yellow card and risking suspension: “It is what it is. No [I haven’t spoke to him about it].” pic.twitter.com/oO1osQI1sV

— City Report (@cityreport_) December 1, 2025

Asked about whether his side would have dropped points in a game like this last season, he responded: “I don't know (if City would have won that game last season), I don't know. I am not able to know what happened or what would have happened. I don't know, to be honest. 

“It all depends on Phil putting the ball in the net. I don't define the mentality of the team on one win. I don't believe in these kinds of things. 

Guardiola revealed he hadn't spoken to his goalkeeper about Saturday's incident, adding: “It is what it is. I haven't spoken to him (Donnarumma) about it.”

Guardiola Praises Fulham's Marco Silva and Confirms Rodri Out for Fulham Clash

Pep Guardiola has praised Fulham manager Marco Silva, who recently reached 200 games in charge of the club, saying he's always been a tough opponent. “Marco has been there many years, they are always tough games. With the ball, they are better and better. Always it is so, so difficult to break up them,” Guardiola said.

Meanwhile, Rodri will miss Tuesday's clash against Fulham as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. “Not yet,” Guardiola said when asked if Rodri would be fit to play. The midfielder is still some way off returning to full fitness, but Guardiola remains optimistic about his progress.

Pep Guardiola looks ahead to facing Fulham and confirms that Rodri is not ready to return to action ❌

Whilst the Manchester City manager stated that he has not spoken to Gianluigi Donnarumma regarding his number of yellow cards this season 🔵 pic.twitter.com/5Ow72AJGSH

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 1, 2025

“Marco has been there for many years, they are always tough games. Their organisation is exceptional, and I have the feeling that with the ball they are better and better. They are a tough, tough opponent. Against Chelsea, against Arsenal, in their last game against Sunderland, it is always so difficult for the opponent to break them up. It's always been the same in this beautiful stadium in London.”

Pep Guardiola was brief when asked about Rodri's availability for Tuesday's clash against Fulham. The Spanish midfielder has been out of action since mid-October, playing just one minute of football, and his absence is being deeply felt by Manchester City.

Guardiola's press conference was unusually short, lasting just two minutes, a rarity for the Spaniard known for his openness with the media.