Why is Rodri Not Playing in Real Madrid vs Man City?

The UEFA Champions League action returns with two old European foes, Man City and Real Madrid, set to lock horns at Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.

Pep Guardiola's side will be the strong favourites going into this clash against a vulnerable Los Blancos Xabi Alonso in the Spanish capital. The Cityzens have been in fabulous form, recording three successive Premier League wins against Leeds United, Fulham and Sunderland. The winning momentum is on their side; however, Man City will have to wait for a few more weeks to re-welcome Spanish midfielder Rodri to club duties from his ongoing injury setback.

Since the Premier League giants have jetted away to face the record 15-time European champions Real Madrid tonight. Let's find out, is Rodri playing today, and what's the latest on his comeback?

Is Rodri Playing in Real Madrid vs Man City

Man City are slowly regaining their form on the pitch, with recent domestic triumphs, they will be spirited to bounce back in the UEFA Champions League from its previous 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen. However, they continue to function without their midfield cog Rodri has been influential for the Manchester-based club ever since his arrival from Liga outfit Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish international Rodri will not be available to travel to Madrid due to a severe hamstring injury, which has forced him to remain on the sidelines since October. Previously, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner missed the majority of 2024-25 campaign anterior cruciate ligament damage in 2024. The 29-year-old did return to pitch, amassing 173 minutes of game time under his belt in the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer.

Unfortunately, after coming back from a lengthy lay-off, he sustained a hamstring injury during a league outing against Brentford. The midfielder is on a path to recovery, and ideally, the entire process will take a few more weeks, before we can see him training with the squad. Man City and Guardiola are not rushing his comeback, considering Rodri's recent injury record.

Pep Guardiola Remarks on Rodri Recovery

Pep Guardiola did not shy away from admitting the fact that his side is missing Rodri's commanding presence in the midfield. He provides the team a much-needed stability and balances the squad. His presence only makes a huge impact on the English football club. There's no certain timeline for when the 29-year-old is expected to make his return in a few weeks of time, if the rehabilitation process goes smoothly.

Pep emphasised the fact, Rodri's recovery shouldn't be rushed upon questioning how long we have to wait to witness Rodri playing, he responded, “So, the process, the recovery is doing well and start to make a training session on the pitch already, so hopefully in a few weeks he can start to be with us. When? My friend is desperate to know WHEN, so I will tell you.”