‘Not yet’ – Guardiola confirms Rodri absence for Fulham clash

Pep Guardiola has confirmed Rodri is not ready to return for Manchester City as he continues his recovery from injury.

The Spanish international last featured for the Citizens at the start of November when he featured as a late substitute against Bournemouth, and Guardiola had been hopeful prior to last weekend’s win over Leeds United that the 29-year-old would be able to return from his hamstring issue for this week’s clash with Fulham.

However, the 54-year-old confirmed his side would again be without the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.

“Not yet [ready],” Guardiola said. “I don’t know [if he will be fit for the weekend].”

Saturday’s late win against Leeds saw City rise to second in the Premier League table, only five points behind leaders Arsenal after their 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

After a mixed start to their league campaign, three wins in their last four matches has propelled Fulham away from the relegation zone and up to 15th place.

Guardiola was very complimentary of Marco Silva’s side, praising the Cottagers for their constant improvement each season.

“Marco [Silva] has many, many years there and they have always been really, really tough games, difficult. The transition is exceptional and every year I have the feeling that with the ball they are better and better.

“So the openings in these games, against Chelsea, Arsenal, last week against Sunderland and it is always so, so difficult to make the openings and break them up. It always has been [difficult] in this beautiful stadium in London.

Victory for Guardiola’s side would see them further close the gap to Arsenal to just two points, with the Gunners facing off against Brentford on Wednesday.