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Manchester City are riding high following Sunday's crucial 2–1 win over Premier League table-toppers Arsenal, though concerns have emerged over a groin issue Rodri suffered late in the match.
Pep Guardiola, without any prompting, raised the prospect of a spell on the sidelines for his key midfielder during his post-match press conference. "I don't know how long Rodri will be out," he said anxiously, with Wednesday's potentially decisive fixture against Burnley looming large.
It was at the Etihad Stadium against Arsenal last season that the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner ruptured his ACL, effectively ending City's hopes of claiming a fifth straight league crown.
Sunday's setback is far less serious, but Guardiola will be eager to keep his midfield lynchpin available throughout the run-in, particularly as City carry significant momentum at the top of the table.
Guardiola Coy Over Rodri Injury
It has taken some time for Rodri to find his rhythm after returning from his serious knee injury nearly a year ago. The Spanish international battled through minor fitness issues during the first half of the 2025–26 campaign and has largely struggled to recapture the form he displayed before his ACL injury.
Nevertheless, Rodri has shown encouraging signs during City's impressive recent run, looking increasingly like the commanding presence he once was in central midfield. He was instrumental in Sunday's vital win, leading the team with 11 defensive contributions and finishing second in duels won with nine. His movement in the box also unsettled the Arsenal backline in the build-up to Erling Haaland's decisive goal.
He was forced off before the final whistle, however, with Guardiola confirming after the game that Rodri had picked up a groin problem.
"We'll see," was the response Guardiola received from his medical staff ahead of further scans, casting serious doubt over the midfielder's availability for the trip to Turf Moor.
The defending champions can climb to the top of the table for the first time since August with a win, and Guardiola also has an FA Cup semifinal against high-flying Championship outfit Southampton on the horizon.
How Man City Could Replace Rodri
The short turnaround following Sunday's hard-earned victory means Rodri is unlikely to feature midweek, even if the groin complaint turns out to be minor.
Burnley are all but relegated, having won just one league match since October, and City's current form suggests they will ease past Scott Parker's team regardless of who lines up alongside the outstanding Bernardo Silva in Guardiola's midfield.
Nico González was introduced late on to replace Rodri, marking his first Premier League outing since February. The January arrival from last year impressed during the autumn months and represents a capable enough stand-in for his fellow Spaniard.
Guardiola has previously likened González to a "mini Rodri," though the former Porto man's playing time has reduced in 2026 due to the outstanding partnership between two City stalwarts in the engine room.
Mateo Kovačić also presents a viable alternative for the title contenders, while Nico O'Reilly frequently drifts into central positions through his highly effective hybrid fullback role.