Pep Guardiola is optimistic Manchester City can remain in the Premier League title race if Rodri regains his best form following a lengthy injury layoff.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner missed most of last season due to knee surgery and has struggled with fitness issues so far this term. City sit six points behind leaders Arsenal after losing three of their first nine league matches, but have lost just once in their last 11 games across all competitions, maintaining strong starts in the Champions League and the League Cup, where they have reached the quarter-finals.
Rodri is expected to feature for the first time in nearly a month when City host second-placed Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. “I think he will be ready to help. I don’t know if he will start, but hopefully he can be with us,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.
Erling Haaland is also fit after picking up a knock in City’s 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend, which interrupted their momentum in the title race. “We are not at our best yet, but we’re close,” Guardiola added.
The City manager highlighted the importance of Rodri returning to peak form, saying, “I have the feeling Rodri can become his best, and we’ll be a team that’s difficult to beat. Will we still be in the title fight? I don’t know, but since the Club World Cup in the United States, I’ve been optimistic about what this team can achieve this season.”
City enter the weekend two points behind Bournemouth, who are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches. Guardiola has praised the Cherries for their organisation and transfer strategy, particularly their ability to profit from selling three key defenders last season. Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi moved to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for combined fees exceeding £150 million.
“They are top-class/well-coordinated with sporting directors, managers and players. Their philosophy is clear and consistent,” Guardiola said.
