Guardiola: “Rodri Is So Important” as Midfielder Misses FA Cup Semi-Final
Rodri will sit out City’s FA Cup semi-final vs Southampton after leaving the Arsenal win early. Guardiola won’t rush the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner back, citing key run-in games.
Pep Guardiola says he’s “better” but won’t risk the midfielder amid City’s treble push...
Rodri will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton this weekend, but manager Pep Guardiola said Friday he’s cautiously optimistic about the midfielder’s return.
The 29-year-old missed more than seven months with a cruciate ligament tear in 2024 and has dealt with multiple knee and hamstring injuries this season. He was forced off during City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday.
He sat out City’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Wednesday that put Guardiola’s side top of the Premier League on goals scored, ahead of Arsenal.
“He’s better,” Guardiola told reporters, but added that the club won’t rush the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner back into action.
“We don't want to take a risk, because if he's injured, and we lose him the next five games. Rodri is so important.”
Guardiola said rotation and recovery will be crucial in the season’s final weeks as City chase the Premier League title and FA Cup to complete a domestic treble, after winning the League Cup last month.
“It was so demanding, the game against Arsenal, emotionally... the people were so tired, and they (took) a train for hours,” the manager said.
“It's easier because of the fact we have a lot (of players) except Ruben (Dias), Rodri and Josko (Gvardiol), the rest are fit. But of course, you think it's the last effort.
“The question is will they be ready for tomorrow to play 90 minutes or maybe extra time, with a lot of players that have a lot of minutes in their legs. That is the question.”
Focus turns to the FA Cup ✊ pic.twitter.com/36DHxTxi55
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 23, 2026
Guardiola said his players are happy to lead the race for their seventh league title since 2017/18, but remain focused on Saturday’s game against Southampton.
“They are happy. The guys who don't play as much, not so much happy. We are just focusing on the game tomorrow,” he said.
“Tomorrow will be a fantastic day. So many, many thoughts. Still I am in my mind and we'll see tomorrow.”
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