Rodri Injury Timeline at Manchester City: Complete List of Setbacks and Latest Update
Rodri has been one of the most crucial figures in Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola. Known for his tactical intelligence, calmness on the ball, and defensive presence, the Spanish midfielder rarely misses a game. However, over the years, a few significant injuries have forced him to the sidelines, testing City’s midfield depth and rhythm.
As of the 2025 season, Rodri is again in the headlines after suffering another injury setback. Here’s a detailed look at every major injury the Spanish international has endured since joining Manchester City and how those absences affected his team’s performance.
Rodri’s Complete Injury Record at Manchester City
Despite being one of the most durable players in Europe, Rodri’s physical demands in Guardiola’s system have occasionally led to setbacks. His injuries have ranged from muscle strains to severe ligament damage.
1. Cruciate Ligament Tear (September 2024 – May 2025)
The most serious injury of Rodri’s career came in September 2024 when he suffered a cruciate ligament tear combined with meniscus damage. This devastating setback ruled him out for more than seven months, keeping him away from action until mid-May 2025.
During his absence, Manchester City struggled to maintain their usual midfield balance. The loss of Rodri’s ball recovery, positional sense, and composure was evident as the team adjusted to new formations. His return in late May helped restore stability in midfield and offered City fans hope heading into the next campaign.
2. Hamstring Injury (July 2024 – August 2024)
Before the ligament tear, Rodri picked up a hamstring injury during preseason in July 2024. Though not as serious, the muscle strain sidelined him for more than a month. He missed crucial early fixtures of the season, forcing Guardiola to rotate between Mateo Kovačić and Kalvin Phillips in defensive midfield roles.
This early setback hinted at the physical toll Rodri’s constant workload had begun to take after several intense seasons across domestic and international competitions.
3. Knee Problems (August 2025 – Latest Injury Update)
In the 2025-26 season, Rodri encountered fresh knee problems, raising concerns over his long-term fitness. The issue emerged in early August 2025, shortly after his return from the previous major injury.
Although initially described as a minor problem, it forced him to miss a few early-season fixtures and undergo specific rehabilitation to prevent recurrence. Manchester City’s medical staff adopted a cautious approach, ensuring he didn’t rush back too soon given his importance to the team.
As of October 2025, Rodri remains under assessment following another flare-up of knee discomfort sustained in training. The club expects him to return later this month, but his workload is being closely monitored.
4. Minor Knocks and Short-Term Absences (2021-2023)
Rodri’s earlier years at Manchester City were mostly injury-free, although he occasionally suffered short-term knocks or fatigue-related absences. These typically lasted only a few days and didn’t significantly affect his availability.
His consistency during this period was one of the main reasons City dominated the Premier League and Europe. Guardiola often praised Rodri’s professionalism and ability to maintain peak condition through relentless scheduling.
How Rodri’s Absence Impacts Manchester City
Manchester City’s system is heavily dependent on Rodri’s unique skill set. He provides structure in midfield, shields the defense, and initiates attacking moves with precision. When he’s unavailable, City lose rhythm and control in transitions.
During his absences, City’s alternatives have struggled to replicate his balance of defensive awareness and passing range. The team often concedes more counterattacks and loses their vertical progression through midfield. This makes Rodri arguably the most irreplaceable player in Guardiola’s current squad.
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What Manchester City Are Doing to Prevent Future Injuries
After consecutive seasons of physical strain, Manchester City’s medical department has intensified focus on recovery management and load monitoring. The club uses advanced data tracking and individualized training plans to reduce injury risks.
Guardiola has also been more open to squad rotation, using Kovačić, Rico Lewis, and John Stones in hybrid midfield roles to reduce Rodri’s minutes. However, given his tactical influence, completely resting him remains difficult.
Rodri’s journey at Manchester City is a reminder of how critical physical management is for elite players. From a long-term ACL injury to recurring knee issues, the Spaniard’s resilience and professionalism have helped him bounce back time and again.
As the 2025-26 season progresses, City will hope to have their midfield anchor fully fit because when Rodri plays, Pep Guardiola’s side look almost unstoppable.
FAQs
1. What was Rodri’s most serious injury at Manchester City?
A. Rodri’s most serious injury was the cruciate ligament tear and meniscus damage he suffered in September 2024, which kept him out for over seven months.
2. Is Rodri currently injured?
A. Yes, Rodri is dealing with a recurrence of knee problems as of October 2025 and is undergoing rehabilitation.
3. How long was Rodri out due to his ACL injury?
A. He missed approximately 236 days, from September 2024 to May 2025.
4. Has Rodri been injury-prone in his career?
A. No, Rodri has generally been durable, with only a few serious injuries over several seasons at Manchester City.
5. When is Rodri expected to return to action?
A. Manchester City expect him to return later in October 2025, depending on how his knee responds to treatment.
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