Pep Guardiola remains optimistic that Rodri could be available for Manchester City’s crucial Premier League meeting with Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the report says. The midfielder has not played since sustaining a groin injury during the 2-1 win over Arsenal on April 19.
Guardiola said the club planned to assess Rodri’s condition immediately, adding that the player does not yet feel fully comfortable but that a decision on his return could come later in the day or the following day, the report says.
City head into the weekend five points behind league leaders Arsenal following a 3-3 draw with Everton on Monday, the report says. The report adds that Arsenal can effectively secure the title with a win over West Ham on Sunday, and Guardiola has urged his squad to maintain pressure on their rivals.
Asked about the home match, Guardiola said he enjoys playing at the Etihad and expressed hope that the crowd can help apply pressure on Arsenal, while stressing that the team can only control its own results and must focus on winning remaining games, the report says.
The manager also received a boost with defender Josko Gvardiol returning to training after more than four months out with a broken leg, the report says. Guardiola noted that Gvardiol was an important player for the club before his injury, expressed relief that the defender is back in training and said he hopes Gvardiol can contribute in the closing stages of the season and beyond.
