Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been ruled out of Wednesday’s trip to Burnley with a groin injury.
The midfielder picked up a groin injury during City’s crucial win over Arsenal, lasting 88 minutes before being forced off late in the game. After undergoing medical tests, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the Spaniard will not be fit in time for Wednesday’s fixture.
“I think for tomorrow he will not be ready,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference.
Rodri is also a doubt for City’s upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Southampton at Wembley, although the manager suggested there is still hope for a quick return.
“We’ll see in the next games, semi-final against Southampton or in 12, 13 days against Everton,” Guardiola added.
In Rodri’s absence, Nico Gonzalez is expected to step into midfield, with Guardiola praising his contribution this season.
“Nico Gonzalez has helped us a lot this season in the absence of Rodri, and he’s helped us to be in the position that we are right now,” he said.
Despite the setback, City remain confident heading into the clash at Turf Moor, knowing a victory could send them to the top of the table.
The timing of upcoming fixtures may also work in their favour, with a gap between the FA Cup semi-final and the league meeting with Everton giving Rodri a chance to recover.
City will be hoping their midfield anchor returns for the decisive final weeks, as they continue their push for major domestic honours.
