Fresh Injury Blow for Rodri Casts Shadow Over Man City’s Club World Cup Exit
Just when it looked like Manchester City might finally have their midfield general back, things took a sharp turn. Rodri, arguably the most vital cog in Pep Guardiola’s tactical machine, has suffered yet another injury setback—only weeks after returning from a lengthy ACL recovery. And it couldn’t have come at a more deflating moment, with City crashing out of the FIFA Club World Cup in a dramatic 4-3 loss to Al-Hilal.
Now, let’s put this into perspective. Rodri had only just begun to ease back into the rhythm of top-level football. After being sidelined for the majority of the 2024–25 season, he managed a few precious Premier League minutes before stepping onto the Club World Cup stage. Guardiola reintroduced him cautiously, bringing him on in the 53rd minute of the last-16 tie. But just as quickly as he appeared, Rodri was forced off again in extra time—clearly not by tactical decision, but due to yet another physical complaint.
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Guardiola was candid but careful in his post-match comments, admitting, “We have to see Rodri, he complained about his situation, but we need time to come back.” That’s not exactly a confident outlook. While the full nature of this fresh injury hasn’t been revealed, the timing is troubling. For a player who’s just regained fitness, this sort of interruption raises concerns—not only about his body but also about City's strategy heading into a critical new season.
And the match itself? A rollercoaster. City, despite all their pedigree and possession, allowed Al-Hilal to capitalize on swift transitions and exposed their defensive frailties. Guardiola lamented how open his team had become, saying, “We were so open. When the crosses arrived… they punished us.” This was not the ruthless City we’re used to seeing.
There’s a lot to unpack here, but Rodri’s setback overshadows it all. This is a player who controls tempo, dictates possession, and offers calm in chaos. His importance can’t be overstated. City’s midfield looks entirely different without him. That’s why Pep trusted him enough to throw him into big games like Juventus and Al-Hilal—despite the risks.
What now? City’s Club World Cup dreams are over. They’ve returned from Orlando not as champions but with bruised egos and fresh injury worries. Rodri now faces another period of uncertainty, and Guardiola will have to prepare contingency plans for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, which kicks off away at Wolves on August 16.
This isn’t just about one match or one tournament. It’s about whether Rodri—arguably the world’s best defensive midfielder—can return to his previous heights. City will need him firing on all cylinders if they’re to contend across competitions next season. But right now, that picture looks blurry.
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