Rodri injured in Orlando
Rodri Injured in Orlando Cluster****
Rodri limped off in extra-time during Manchester City’s 4–3 loss to Al Hilal, just five matches into his return from a long-term knee injury.
He came on after the break and managed 47 minutes before signalling to the bench. It was a concerning sight for Guardiola, who confirmed after the match that the Spaniard is once again a fitness doubt.
“We’ll have to assess him,” Guardiola said. “He wasn’t comfortable.”
The manager also explained why Erling Haaland didn’t feature in extra-time. The striker had asked to come off, complaining of fatigue.
“He was very tired and asked to be substituted,” Guardiola said. No more detail. No drama.
Despite the defeat, Guardiola remained calm. He praised the squad’s attitude and hinted at promising signs ahead of the new season.
“Too early to say,” he replied when asked about their chances next year. “But I’ve seen good things. The mood in training, the connection between the players, Bernardo’s leadership—it’s all been there.”
Guardiola reserved credit for Al Hilal, noting their intensity and structure.
“They’ve got real quality,” he said. “They can run. They’re a proper team. But I thought we played well too.”
Many of the traits that blighted last season's campaign re-surfaced in Orlando, with the Saudis scoring from 4 of just 6 efforts on target.
City now return home with more questions over Rodri’s fitness, and Guardiola’s focus shifting to what’s ahead—not what’s gone.
