Pep Guardiola offers Rodri injury update ahead of crucial title run-in

City have suffered without Rodri in the team (Getty)

Pep Guardiola hopes talismanic midfielder Rodri will be back from injury in time for Manchester City’s game against Brentford on Saturday.

The Spaniard has been missing since picking up a groin injury in the 2-1 win over Arsenal on 19 April, with City suffering in his absence as they dropped crucial points at Everton on Monday.

Guardiola said he hoped the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner would pass a fitness test later on Friday in time for their next Premier League game, when they face Europe-chasing Brentford at the Etihad.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: “He made a little problem and still he doesn't feel completely comfortable. When he will be ready and fit and come back - this afternoon, hopefully - he will come back. We will see this afternoon.

“We have survived without him for many months. He still doesn't feel completely comfortable.”

Rodri has missed the last three matches for City, who managed to win the first two, but looked unbalanced as they drew 3-3 with Everton last time out - with Jeremy Doku’s last-minute equaliser salvaging a point.

Guardiola refused to say the defeat was down to the influential Rodri’s absence. He said: “It does not depend on him. We gave it away but not because Rodri was not there.”