MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City miss Rodri very much and the presence of the Spanish midfielder could solve their defensive problems even without touching the ball.
The City manager doubts whether Rodri, 29, will be able to return before Christmas after suffering a hamstring injury during the win at Brentford two months ago.
Since then, Rodri has played just one minute in 11 games and City are aware he returned to action too quickly after an ACL injury last season.
Guardiola insisted City needed to be careful with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, but admitted his absence had a major impact on the team.
City have conceded six goals in their last two games, against Leeds and Fulham, before facing Sunderland tonight.
“Rodri is a player on another level. If Rodri came on in the last 20 minutes against Fulham, in the middle, you know the effect?
“Just his presence, without even touching the ball, the other ten players feel safe, play better. We haven’t had him for a year and a half.
“I want him back. There are players who cannot be replaced, not only because of their play, but what they do for their teammates.
“They said, ‘Rodri is there,’ and gave him the ball because they knew he wouldn’t lose. He knows when there’s space to change the game, he’s unique,” Guardiola said.
Nico Gonzalez’s performance offered some hope, but the former Barcelona man looked tired, while Guardiola was short of other options, including trying John Stones in the position during the dramatic 5-4 win at Craven Cottage on Tuesday.
Guardiola believes City will not see the best version of Rodri until next season.
“He has started training sessions on the field. Hopefully in a few weeks, he can start playing.”
“He needs to be more careful. He can’t play 90 minutes every game. When you have an ACL injury, your body is completely different,” he said.