Pep Guardiola confirms Rodri decision ahead of Liverpool clash

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Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Rodri’s fitness ahead of Manchester City's crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool. While Guardiola has not definitively ruled out Rodri featuring in the match, he has indicated a cautious approach to the midfielder’s involvement. The manager emphasized that he does not want to take risks with Rodri’s injury, suggesting that the player's participation will depend on how well he recovers during the final stages of preparation.

This decision comes amid Manchester City’s efforts to manage player fitness following a challenging 2024-25 season marked by injuries and significant squad changes. Guardiola has implemented unusual measures such as canceling training sessions to help prevent further injuries and ensure his key players are in optimal condition. The careful management strategy appears aimed at minimizing physical strain ahead of demanding fixtures like the upcoming Liverpool game.

Rodri, a central figure in City's midfield, remains integral to Guardiola’s tactical plans, but the manager is prioritizing long-term fitness over risking immediate returns from injury. The cautious stance reflects the importance of maintaining squad depth and availability during a competitive and congested fixture schedule.

City’s recent victories, including a 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, demonstrate that the squad can perform well even with some personnel uncertainties. Still, Guardiola’s comments underline the delicate balance between readiness and risk when it comes to players recovering from injury, particularly ahead of high-stakes matches against rivals like Liverpool.