Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is fit to return against Tottenham on Saturday and remains for him “the best player in the world.”
The Spanish midfielder missed most of last season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal in September.
Rodri returned towards the end of the season, but a setback forced the 29-year-old to miss parts of pre-season and last weekend’s 4-0 triumph at Wolves to kick off City’s Premier League campaign.
“He’s still so far the best player in the world until we elect a new one in a few months,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“I don’t have any doubts about his potential and quality.
“Just consistency at training, weeks, training, games, minutes, and after everything will be fine.”
Rodri’s comeback is a big boost to City’s chances of winning back the Premier League championship after finishing a distant third last season.
Guardiola’s new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki scored in City’s convincing win at Molineux, and custodian James Trafford made his senior debut in his second spell.
However, Guardiola has yet to decide who will start in goal against Spurs, as Ederson, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, is now available.
“The new players bring a new energy, new everything.
“I’ve changed four or five or six times (backroom staff), and it’s tough, but they always bring new energy and ideas.
“Players are the same, and James brings his youth and desire to play at the club he was born and grew up in.
“We’re happy with the performance, but it’s just the first game. (We need to) just be consistent in the way we play and improve in the way we have done, and we have to do better against the Spurs.”
City defender Ruben Dias also penned a two-year extension to his contract on Friday, keeping the Portuguese international at the Etihad until 2029.
“I am thrilled. The city is where I want to be—at the top of the sport, competing for trophies,” said 28-year-old Dias, who joined the club from Benfica in 2020.
“The club’s ambition aligns perfectly with mine, and as a footballer, there is nothing better than that.
“I love Manchester — it is my home now — and I love the Manchester City fans.
“When I think about the trophies we have won and the way we have played our football during my time here, I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else.”
