Rodri fitness update: Manchester City midfielder misses training ahead of Brentford fixture

The timing is significant. City go into the Brentford fixture five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, with three points at the Etihad Stadium essential to keep any realistic hope of a title challenge alive.

Guardiola will be without one of the most important players in world football if Rodri is unable to recover in time as the Blues pursue a domestic treble in the final three weeks of the season.

Report: Rodri absent from City training

According to Sky Sports News, Rodri missed Manchester City training on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Premier League home fixture against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola is expected to provide a fitness update on the Ballon d’Or winner in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, though the sight of Rodri absent from the session will concern City supporters heading into one of the most important games of the season.

What would Rodri’s absence mean for City?

Rodri’s influence on Manchester City cannot be overstated. The 29-year-old is the heartbeat of Guardiola’s midfield and his absence across the first half of last season – through the long-term knee injury sustained in September 2024 – contributed significantly to City’s inconsistency during that period.

Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic have deputised capably in his absence at various points this season, though neither offers the same combination of defensive authority and creative control that Rodri brings to the team.

Hugo Viana and Manchester City face possible Rodri exit as Bernardo Silva departure looms

With Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol having trained on Friday to provide a boost in defence, the concern now shifts to midfield and whether City’s most important player will be available when they need him most.