The ‘state of emergency’ at Manchester City over Rodri’s fitness has been quickly dismissed. Everything is fine with the midfielder.
That’s according to AS, who report that the Manchester City star’s knee is ‘progressing perfectly’ and there’s no concern at the Etihad.
A ‘state of emergency’ had been declared last week when he was ruled out against Burnley. This was added to when Pep Guardiola admitted Rodri had a discomfort.
But AS insist ‘there’s no drama, far from it’. Instead, his absence was all part of the plan. The midfielder has worked on a strategy with Manchester City’s doctors to ‘manage the accumulated workload’.
They’re keen to avoid setbacks and the minor injuries that always follow a long-term absence. After three demanding matches in a week against Manchester United, Napoli and Arsenal, the logical thing was for him to be given a rest. That’s why he didn’t start against Burnley. He is, though, ready for the clash with Monaco.
Any ‘doubts and suspicions’ have been dispelled at the club. That is why he was named in the squad for the Monaco game. He could even start that fixture.
Manchester City want to carefully consider his workload and match volume after his torn cruciate ligament. The goal is for him to grow slowly and get back to his peak without pressure, particularly with the World Cup in the summer.
