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Decision Made On Rodri After Injury On Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tom Vinall | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 6:25 AM ET

Highlights

Midfielder forced off on Sunday
Not first setback since return from ACL
Decision has now been made

On Sunday evening, Manchester City recorded a hard fought 1-0 win away to Brentford in the final Premier League game before the October international break. However, it was not all sunshine and roses for Pep Guardiola.

Indeed not, as Rodri was forced off with an injury during the first half, being replaced by compatriot Nico Gonzalez. The 2023/24 Ballon D'Or winner looked emotional as he had to be taken off - though was back on the bench by the end of the game, and was able to acknowledge the travelling fans after full time.

Given he is not too long back from the ACL injury he suffered last autumn, many fans have been concerned at the length of this injury, and whether or not he would be missing for a sustained period of time.

Fortunately, the player himself said to the media after the game that he didn't feel too bad, and he just felt some muscle tightness, so it was important not to risk anything. He also said it was unrelated to any previous injuries he has sustained.

So, with the second international break of the season now upon us, many have wondered whether or not the 29-year old would join up with Spain ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Well, it has now been decided. Spain have confirmed that Rodri will not join up with the national team during this break, after City sent the midfielder's medical tests to the national team.

This feels like the sensible thing to do. Although World Cup qualifiers in general are important, you would have thought that Spain would have more than enough to navigate games against Georgia and Bulgaria without Rodri.

Particularly with Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal to fill in, just like he did so well in the Euros final last summer. The midfielder has made a great start to life in North London this season, and would surely once again provide more than capable cover for Rodri in the upcoming qualifiers for Luis De La Fuente,

After the break is finished, Guardiola's side will face Everton - who ended Crystal Palace's 19 game unbeaten streak at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. Although the game will be played at The Etihad, Everton have looked impressive under David Moyes, and it will be a tough game, so City will be really hoping that Rodri will be available for it.

Last season, under Sean Dyche - who was sacked two weeks later - Everton were able to get a 1-1 draw at The Etihad, so they will know full well that against a much better iteration of their visitors, it will be a very tough game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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