Rodri Blow Sends Man City's Injury Crisis Spiraling Out of Control

Pep Guardiola has announced that Mateo Kovačić and potentially Phil Foden will be absent alongside Rodri when Manchester City begins their 2025–26 Premier League season.

The Citizens continue to be plagued by the injury problems that affected them last campaign. Rodri, who was sidelined for almost eight months due to an ACL problem, faces additional recovery time following a complication during the FIFA Club World Cup.

Adding to the concerns, Kovačić's Achilles problem, which kept him out of action during the summer tour in the United States, is requiring more healing time than originally expected. Guardiola disclosed that the Croatian midfielder may not return until October, leaving the team short two central players before the new season begins.

The Spanish coach had more concerning news to share. Guardiola also indicated that Foden remains uncertain for Man City's season opener versus Wolves on Saturday, Aug. 16.

"[Foden] has an ankle issue and that's the reason we chose not to risk him this week," Guardiola explained. "I'm unsure [whether he'll be available against Wolves]. It was simply a knock but caused discomfort. He'll return when he's fully prepared."

The England star remained in Manchester as his squad traveled to Sicily for their only pre-season match this summer. Man City achieved an easy 3–0 victory over Palermo despite missing Foden, Rodri and Kovačić from their lineup.

Nico González stepped into the defensive midfield position vacated by Rodri and Kovačić, a responsibility he'll continue to handle until the 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient makes his comeback. The positive development is Guardiola's confidence regarding Rodri's healing progress.

"Rodri is improving but he sustained a significant injury in the final match against Al Hilal," the Man City manager explained. "His training has been better recently, and hopefully following the [September] international window is when he'll be completely ready."

If Rodri maintains his current progress, the 29-year-old will only be unavailable for matches against Wolves, Tottenham and Brighton for Man City. Kovačić's rehabilitation appears significantly longer, with the former Real Madrid player facing roughly two more months away from action.

Though Foden's availability this weekend remains questionable, he's expected to return to action before either of his injured colleagues to assist Man City in their pursuit of Premier League glory.