After a rare and disappointing trophy-less 2024–25 campaign, Manchester City find themselves at a pivotal juncture. Central to hopes of a revival is the careful management of returning Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who had endured months of injury setbacks.
From ACL Ruin to Tentative Resurgence
Rodri’s troubles began last season when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a Premier League clash with Arsenal, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the campaign. His return in May—eight months later—came as a late substitute in a 3–1 win over Bournemouth, a timely boost that nonetheless came too late to prevent a trophy-less finish and a third-place league finish.
The ensuing months offered a glimmer of optimism as Rodri featured in Manchester City’s four matches at the FIFA Club World Cup. However, his momentum was halted once more when he suffered a groin injury during the extra time of a riveting 4–3 defeat to Al-Hilal.
Guardiola Opts for Patience Over Peril
Manager Pep Guardiola has made the prudent decision to ease Rodri back into Premier League action. While there’s optimism about him getting some minutes in the opening games against Wolverhampton, Tottenham, and Brighton, full fitness is not expected until after the September international break.
This conservative approach stems from a desire to avoid setbacks that could exacerbate his condition. Guardiola stressed the need for Rodri’s return to be pain-free and seamless, emphasizing the danger of rushing a player with such a recent string of serious injuries.
A Trophy-Less Wake-Up Call
The 2024–25 season marked a dramatic fall from grace for City. Despite a £300 million summer rebuild and a squad flush with talent, they ended the campaign without lifting any silverware—an outcome not seen since 2016–17—and finished third behind Liverpool and Arsenal.
Rodri’s prolonged absence unveiled the midfield’s fragility and the dire impact his presence—or lack thereof—had on City’s tactical fluidity. Replenishing this void has become a focal point of their off-season planning.
Reinforcements, Restructuring, and Rising Expectations
Pep Guardiola is crafting a new era. The club has splashed out on several high-profile signings—including Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, and others—to inject renewed creativity and energy into the squad.
Departures such as Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish have shifted the creative burden onto emerging talents like Phil Foden, Cherki, and Marmoush. This reshaped squad profile, paired with coaching changes that brought in fresh perspectives from ex-Liverpool staff, signals City’s intent to reclaim their dominance.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding in the Shadows of Recovery
City aim to reset beginning at the U.S.-hosted Club World Cup, which Guardiola views as a vital morale boost and testing ground for his renewed squad.
In the meantime, City will navigate their Premier League opener without the full force of Rodri’s presence. Instead, the emphasis will be on gradual reintegration, ensuring he’s fit enough to anchor the midfield during the season’s most critical stretch.
In summary: Rodri’s return is being handled with calculated care—short spells off the bench in early league games may come, but his full comeback is expected after the September international break. Guardiola’s method isn’t merely cautious; it’s strategic—crafted to safeguard City’s midfield linchpin while they rebuild following a trophy-less campaign.
