Man City's Rodri a 'Warrior' Says Guardiola After Return From Injury

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-06-27 14:38:31 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-27 15:27:03

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Pep Guardiola has highlighted Rodri's tenacity after the Spanish midfielder returned from injury to play a part in Manchester City's victory in the FIFA Club World Cup. Rodri has been sidelined since the end of September with a metatarsal problem but played 66 minutes in the 5-2 win over Juventus, having been named in the starting line-up.

The City boss was full of praise for the 26-year-old's display, describing him as a "warrior" for the effort he put in against the Italian side. Guardiola added that Rodri, alongside teammates Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, clawed his way back into the side ahead of the game against Newcastle United on Saturday, highlighting their application and rigour.

City's confident display in the Club World Cup, with Haaland scoring his 300th career goal and more, puts them in contention for the game against Newcastle, with Guardiola stating his side "have to win."

The former Barcelona manager says City tops Group G and faces Al-Hilal next, calling on his side to maintain their focus ahead of the clash with the Saudi-based side.

"The guys who didn't play today must be ready because they are going to play in the semi-final or the final because we have to win."

It remains to be seen whether Rodri will be involved against Newcastle, but Guardiola will be hopeful he can continue to manage the Spaniard's return from injury safely.

Astonishingly, this is City's first major trophy of the season, having already won the Premier League and League Cup and reached the latter stages of the Champions League and FA Cup. Still, this victory sets them up for a memorable quadruple charge.

It's been a remarkable week in which City solidified their status as one of the best sides in the world, and with the Premier League title race hotting up, they will hope to carry this form into the business end of the season.

Go!