Pep Guardiola issues Rodri injury update after worrying Arsenal substitution

Guardiola hands Rodri fitness update

Rodri went off after 88 minutes on Sunday and was replaced by Nico Gonzalez, who made his first Premier League appearance since early February to help Manchester City see out their narrow lead and claim a huge three points in the context of the title race.

In his post-match press conference, Guardiola confirmed that Rodri suffered a suspected groin injury and that the full extent of the setback remains to be seen.

“Rodri, I don’t know how long he will be out,” the Manchester City manager said after the win, with further tests set to be conducted to ascertain how serious the injury is.

Manchester City have six fixtures remaining in the Premier League and are also due to play Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend.

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Gonzalez is almost certain to hold the centre of midfield down at Turf Moor on Wednesday night as Manchester City look to maintain their winning run after Sunday’s result.

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Guardiola is unlikely to make too many changes to his starting XI in the Premier League run-in, having named an unchanged lineup against Arsenal from Manchester City’s 3-0 win away at Chelsea the week before last.

Rodri has endured a series of fitness setbacks this season since he returned from a lengthy ACL layoff and is understood to be discussing a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.

The 29-year-old has been in fine form for City in the last month and will no doubt be desperate to return to action as soon as possible to help the Blues maintain their recent momentum and enjoy a successful finish to the campaign.