Guardiola delivers update on Rodri

Guardiola delivers update on Rodri

Pep Guardiola says Rodri is improving and is ‘better’ – but the Spaniard won’t feature in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.

The Blues’ anchorman came off with a groin issue in the second-half of the 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend and missed the midweek victory over Burnley.

But with crucial Premier League games coming up as the end of the campaign nears, the boss is not willing to take any chances at this stage.

“[He is better,” said Guardiola who was then asked at his Friday press conference if Rodri was fit enough to play, responding, “No. We don’t want to take the risk.

“I don’t know yet [if he will feature against Everton – hopefully, but as I say, we don’t want to take risks.

“If he’s injured we lose him for the next three and he’s so important.”

The boss was also asked if John Stones may feature against the Saints.

He joked: “It depends on the manager. That’s for sure. I’ll call you later!”

The Blues will face a resurgent Southampton side at Wembley and Pep says his players won’t be underestimating the Championship side.

“Nine games unbeaten, they have knocked out Fulham and Arsenal so [their form] speaks for itself.

“They are in a  good rhythm, but this is a real opportunity to get to final.”

With Guardiola making few changes to his starting XI in recent weeks, he admitted he will carefully consider making changes against the Saints, adding: “It’s easier for the fact that we have a lot [of players] except Ruben, Rodri and Josko  - the rest are fit.

“You think it’s the last effort, then we have eight days.

“We are ready to play tomorrow to play 95 minutes and then maybe extra time, with a lot of players with lots of minutes in their legs that is the question.

“On the train we have much to discuss.”

Be at City’s FA Cup semi-final!

Pep Guardiola’s brilliant Blues are on the hunt for yet more silverware under Wembley’s famous arch.

We return to the national stadium on Saturday 25 April in a 17:15 (UK) kick-off for our FA Cup semi-final with Southampton.

And Members can be there with prices starting from £30 for adults and £20 for U18s and over 65s.

As we’ve seen with other recent Wembley visits, it’s an occasion not to be missed!

Get your tickets now!