Manchester City could be without one of their most important players when the new Premier League season kicks off. Spanish midfielder Rodri, who recently won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for being the best footballer in the world, is recovering from a fresh injury that might keep him out of action for the first few games.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the setback in a press conference, saying Rodri is still recovering from what he called a “big injury” picked up during a Club World Cup match in July.
What Happened to Rodri?
Rodri got injured while playing against Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal in the Club World Cup round of 16. That match was a high-scoring thriller that ended 4–3 in favor of Al Hilal — an unexpected defeat for City. Guardiola didn’t give all the details about the injury, but British media have reported it’s a groin problem.
To make matters worse, Rodri had only just returned to competitive football in May after spending eight months on the sidelines recovering from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. For those who might not know, the ACL is a key ligament in the knee, and tearing it is one of the most feared injuries in sports. Recovery can take 6–12 months, and even then, some players struggle to get back to their best form right away.
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A Quick Look at Rodri’s Career
Rodri is one of the most important players for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team.
Full name: Rodrigo Hernández Cascante
Age: 29 years old
Position: Defensive midfielder
Clubs played for: Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City
Trophies: Multiple Premier League titles, Champions League, FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Nations League, and now the Ballon d’Or.
Rodri is often called the “heartbeat” of City’s midfield. He is excellent at breaking up attacks, keeping possession, and starting counterattacks with precise passes. Many fans remember his winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan — a strike that helped City win their first-ever Champions League trophy.
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What the Manager Said
Pep Guardiola didn’t hide his concern but tried to stay positive.
“Rodri is getting better but he had a big injury in the last game against Al Hilal,” Pep told reporters.
“He has trained better in the last few days. Hopefully after the international break in September, he will be really fit. Hopefully in these first three Premier League games, he can play some minutes, but what is important is that he doesn’t have pain. We don’t want Rodri coming back injured. We will try desperately to avoid that.”
Pep added that Rodri had trained in the last two sessions with the squad, which is a good sign. Still, he made it clear they won’t rush him back, even if it means missing a few matches.
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City’s Schedule at the Start of the Season
Manchester City, who surprisingly finished third in the Premier League last season, will begin their new campaign on August 16 with an away game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Here’s their opening Premier League schedule:
Wolverhampton Wanderers (Away) – August 16
Fulham (Home) – August 23
Aston Villa (Away) – August 30
The first international break will be in early September, giving Rodri a bit more recovery time before City face bigger challenges later in the season.
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The Importance of Rodri in City’s Team
If you’re new to soccer, here’s why Rodri is so important:
He controls the game’s tempo. Think of him like the conductor of an orchestra — he decides when the team speeds up or slows down.
He protects the defense. In soccer, the defensive midfielder often acts as a shield in front of the back four defenders.
He’s consistent. Rodri rarely makes mistakes. In fact, during the 2022–23 season, he completed over 92% of his passes.
He scores important goals. Defensive midfielders don’t score often, but when Rodri does, it usually matters — like in finals or big league games.
Without him, City might have to rely on other players to fill the gap, like Mateo Kovačić or Kalvin Phillips (if he stays at the club), but neither has quite the same presence as Rodri.
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Fun Soccer Facts for Young Fans
The Premier League is considered one of the most competitive leagues in the world, with 20 teams playing 38 matches each season.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded every year to the best male and female footballers. Lionel Messi has won it a record eight times, while Rodri’s win was his first.
A groin injury affects the muscles of the inner thigh. In soccer, it’s common because of sudden changes in direction, kicking, and sprinting.
The Club World Cup brings together the champions from each continent — for example, the UEFA Champions League winners from Europe and the Copa Libertadores winners from South America.
How Teams Handle Injuries
At big clubs like Manchester City, injured players get world-class medical care. The process often includes:
Diagnosis: Scans like MRI or ultrasound to see exactly what’s wrong.
Rest and treatment: Ice, heat, massages, and sometimes minor surgery.
Rehabilitation: Carefully planned exercises to strengthen the injured area.
Gradual return: Light training, then full training, then match minutes.
One wrong move can cause a setback, so teams are very careful. That’s why Pep is insisting Rodri won’t be rushed back too soon.
What This Means for Manchester City
Missing Rodri could make the start of the season harder for City. They are already under pressure after finishing behind Arsenal and Liverpool last season. Without their midfield general, opponents might find it easier to break through and create chances.
However, Manchester City has one of the deepest squads in the world. Players like Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne can all play a role in keeping things under control until Rodri is back. Plus, Guardiola is known for adjusting tactics when key players are unavailable.
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The Big Picture
Rodri’s injury is another reminder of how physically demanding soccer can be at the highest level. Players are often traveling across the globe, playing for both their clubs and national teams, with very little rest in between.
For young fans and aspiring players, his situation shows the importance of:
Taking care of your body with proper warm-ups and recovery.
Listening to coaches and doctors when dealing with injuries.
Patience in recovery, because rushing back too soon can make things worse.Premier League
City fans will be hoping Rodri can recover quickly and help the team fight for trophies again. Whether he plays in the first few games or not, his presence will be felt as soon as he returns — because when Rodri is in the team, Manchester City just plays better.
The Premier League season is long, and titles are often decided in the final weeks, not the opening ones. If City can manage without him for a little while, they might get an even stronger Rodri for the rest of the season.
