Pep Guardiola will assess his options before deciding on his Manchester City team for Everton on Monday night
Rodri is yet to return to Manchester City training to raise doubts that he will be available for the Premier League game with Everton on Monday night. The Ballon d’Or winner started 11 consecutive league matches between January and April as the Blues worked the title race into their own hands, but suffered an injury in the closing moments of the win over Arsenal.
That ruled him out of the Premier League trip to Burnley a few days later and the FA Cup semi-final with Southampton, although the injury was not thought to be major and the player travelled with the squad. However, the Blues midfielder faces a race against time if he is going to return for the Everton game as the club wait for him to train with the team again.
Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol remain sidelined to mean City could be without all three for a Premier League game that they know they must win.
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“He’s getting better. He still didn’t train with us so we will see. I am always confident,” said Guardiola of Rodri. [Ruben] is not yet but he is getting better. Him, Rodri and Josko are better.”
While City’s defensive options are limited, Guardiola suggested that John Stones could play a part in what will be the final weeks of his City career. The centre-back announced this week that he will leave the club after 10 years at the Etihad and is in shape to be able to play more of a part in another successful season.
“One of the first signings. I remember travelling to London to meet him in my brother’s house. He was young, seeing his face in that moment, there are few players who can understand what happened in this period together and he is one,” said Guardiola.
“He was the best player by far in the final in Istanbul, that means his huge personality. Now he feels fit and hopefully he can fight the physical rhythm to be ready. Like Bernardo, part of ourselves is leaving. The contribution has been massive, he’s an incredible person on and off the pitch. I’m really pleased. With Bernardo, I’m so grateful to live many years here with a person like John.”
