<figure id="attachment_3147248" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3147248" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-3147248" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/41015fcb-rodri-30082025.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3147248" class="wp-caption-text">Manchester City&#8217;s midfielder Rodri has started only four matches this season and was not in the squad in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Burnley. (EPA Images pic)</figcaption></figure>
MANCHESTER: Manchester City midfielder Rodri is not ready to play three matches a week as he continues to work his way back to full fitness, manager Pep Guardiola said ahead of their Champions League group stage match against AS Monaco.
Ballon d&#8217;Or winner Rodri returned in May after spending eight months on the sidelines due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament but then suffered a groin injury during the Club World Cup in July.
The Spanish midfielder has started just four games this season and was left out of the squad for their 5-1 win over Burnley on Saturday.
&#8220;The day before Burnley he didn&#8217;t feel too good. Today he feels much better, so we will see. It&#8217;s different from the Club World Cup – now he is not injured,&#8221; Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday.
&#8220;Right now, in my opinion, if you ask me, he is not able to play three games a week at top, top level.
&#8220;My feeling is right now he is not ready. Because he needs time. This type of injury (to recover fully) is minimum one year.&#8221;
Bernardo Silva returns to familiar territory later on Wednesday in Monaco, where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2017. The Portuguese midfielder was named City captain ahead of the season and Guardiola was delighted with his impact on the squad.
&#8220;He cannot do better as a captain,&#8221; Guardiola said.
&#8220;He is one of the best in training, he is an extraordinary player, so intelligent and smart. He can play in so many positions. We&#8217;re really happy to have him.&#8221;

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