Pep Guardiola says Rodri is enhancing and is ‘better’ – however the Spaniard received’t characteristic in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final in opposition to Southampton.
The Blues’ anchorman got here off with a groin concern within the second-half of the 2-1 win over Arsenal final weekend and missed the midweek victory over Burnley.
But with essential Premier League video games developing as the top of the marketing campaign nears, the boss just isn’t keen to take any possibilities at this stage.
“[He is better,” said Guardiola who was then asked at his Friday press conference if Rodri was fit enough to play, responding, “No. We don’t want to take the risk.
“I don’t know yet [if he will feature against Everton – hopefully, but as I say, we don’t want to take risks.
“If he’s injured we lose him for the next three and he’s so important.”
The boss was also asked if John Stones may feature against the Saints.
He joked: “It depends on the manager. That’s for sure. I’ll call you later!”
The Blues will face a resurgent Southampton side at Wembley and Pep says his players won’t be underestimating the Championship side.
“Nine games unbeaten, they have knocked out Fulham and Arsenal so [their form] speaks for itself.
“They are in a good rhythm, but this is a real opportunity to get to final.”
With Guardiola making few adjustments to his beginning XI in latest weeks, he admitted he’ll fastidiously contemplate making adjustments in opposition to the Saints, including: “It’s simpler for the truth that now we have loads [of players] besides Ruben, Rodri and Josko – the remainder are match.
“You assume it’s the final effort, then now we have eight days.
“We are able to play tomorrow to play 95 minutes after which perhaps additional time, with quite a lot of gamers with numerous minutes of their legs that’s the query.
“On the train we have much to discuss.”
Be at City’s FA Cup semi-final!
Pep Guardiola’s sensible Blues are on the hunt for but extra silverware beneath Wembley’s well-known arch.
We return to the nationwide stadium on Saturday 25 April in a 17:15 (UK) kick-off for our FA Cup semi-final with Southampton.
And Members may be there with costs ranging from £30 for adults and £20 for U18s and over 65s.
As we’ve seen with different latest Wembley visits, it’s an event to not be missed!
