Will Foden Make the Starting Lineup? How is Guardiola Managing Rodri's Return?
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Synopsis
As the Premier League season approaches, Pep Guardiola shares insights on Phil Foden's potential return to action and the careful management of Rodri's recovery. With an intensive schedule ahead, City fans are eager to see how the squad adapts to these challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Phil Foden is hopeful for a return to action.
- Rodri's recovery is being approached with caution.
- Midfielder Mateo Kovacic is currently unavailable due to surgery.
- Squad depth will be tested with a busy schedule ahead.
- Guardiola is optimistic about the team's prospects this season.
Manchester, Aug 9 (NationPress) Pep Guardiola expressed optimism regarding Phil Foden's chances of being ready for the Premier League opener while also emphasizing the need for caution concerning Rodri's return.
Both players remained in Manchester as City made their way to Palermo for the upcoming Anglo Palermitan Trophy.
Rodri faced a lengthy absence last season due to a knee injury, only making a comeback in the final two matches before participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.
In the lead-up to Saturday’s game in Sicily, Guardiola provided updates on both players.
“Phil was performing well until he suffered a minor ankle injury, which is why we decided to hold him back as a precaution,” Guardiola stated.
“Rodri is improving but had a significant injury in the last match against Al-Hilal and has been training for the past five to six weeks. He has shown improvement over the last few days. We are hopeful that during the international break, he will regain full fitness.”
“We aim for him to get some minutes in the games leading up to that. However, the priority is to ensure he experiences no pain, as we want to avoid any setbacks in his recovery,” Guardiola added.
When asked about their availability for the Premier League opener against Wolves on Saturday, August 16, Guardiola replied, “I don’t foresee Rodri playing a full 90 minutes.”
“As for Phil, it depends on his condition, but we have a long week ahead.”
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic was absent from the tournament in the United States due to Achilles surgery.
The Croatian is not part of the traveling squad, and Guardiola is eager to have him back in action soon.
As Rodri's return is being managed with care, Nico is among the candidates to fill the defensive midfield role, alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Tijjani Reijnders.
“With Kovacic out until September or October—hopefully sooner—we have three midfielders available,” the manager explained.
“Rodri was sidelined for six months, and while Nico can play there, the others are more suited to attacking midfield roles. Gundo and Tijji can play defensively, but I believe that when everyone is fit, they’ll have more chances to push forward, especially with players like Phil and Cherki available.”
“This season looks promising, but I noticed that starting in September, our schedule is packed with games every three days, so we will need depth in our squad,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the balance Guardiola is trying to strike between managing player fitness and ensuring competitive readiness. The upcoming fixtures will test City’s depth, and the coach's approach will be pivotal in maintaining a strong squad throughout the season.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of Phil Foden?
Phil Foden is expected to be in contention for the Premier League opener, pending recovery from a minor ankle issue.
How is Rodri's recovery being handled?
Rodri's return is being managed carefully due to his previous knee injury, with hopes for his full fitness during the international break.
Will Mateo Kovacic be available soon?
Mateo Kovacic is currently sidelined due to Achilles surgery, but Guardiola is eager to have him back in the squad as soon as possible.
Who could fill in for Rodri?
Nico, Ilkay Gundogan, and Tijjani Reijnders are potential candidates to take on the defensive midfield role in Rodri's absence.
What is the upcoming schedule like for Manchester City?
Starting in September, Manchester City will face a packed schedule with games every three days, increasing the need for squad depth.
