Manchester City will take no risks with the fitness of their midfield general

Manchester City will take no risks with the fitness of their midfield general

During the latter stages of Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad last Sunday, Rodri limped off with a calf injury. The Manchester City midfielder subsequently missed Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Burnley due to the injury he sustained against Arsenal. It wasn’t expected that Rodri would play in today’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton for City. Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri will not play at Wembley as City are taking no risks with the fitness of a player who will be crucial to Manchester City’s chase for the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City will be without Rodri for today’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked yesterday during his pre-game press conference ahead of today’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, if Rodri would play against Southampton. Guardiola confirmed that Manchester City will be without their midfield general today. He explained: “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.bIf he’s injured we lose him for the next three and he’s so important.”

There is nothing to gain for City by taking a risk with Rodri’s fitness.

Manchester City are wise to play it safe with Rodri’s fitness. Yes, City face a tough challenge today against Southampton. Tonda Eckert’s side enters today’s FA Cup semi-final off the back of a 20-match unbeaten run. They have won 16 of those matches. City will have to be at their best at Wembley today. Missing Rodri will hurt City. There is no doubt about that. However, they do have players such as Nico who can step into Rodri’s role. However, there is a bigger picture at play for City with Rodri’s fitness.