Pep Guardiola confirms fresh Man City injury blow after CWC defeat

Pep Guardiola has revealed Rodri suffered another injury setback during Manchester City’s Club World Cup defeat by Al Hilal.

Rodri was sidelined for several months with a serious knee injury and missed almost all of last season.

He only made his first start since September in last Thursday’s 5-2 win against Juventus.

Rodri climbed off the bench to replace Ilkay Gundogan in 53rd minute but had to go off in the first period of extra time.

After the game, Guardiola disclosed that Rodri had complained about a problem.

“We have to see Rodri, he complained about his situation but we need time to come back,” Guardiola said.

The defending champions were knocked at the last-16 stage by Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal in an incredible seven-goal thriller.

Rodri was sidelined for several months with a serious knee injury and missed almost all of last season

Man City, who had come through the group stages unscathed failed to progress to the quarter-finals after conceding four times.

Guardiola says that City struggled to get going during a meeting with Al-Hilal as they suffered a 4-3 defeat.

The Catalan coach said: “It was a difficult game. We allowed them to make transitions we created a lot. It is a pity, we have been on an incredible journey together and such a good place.

“We were so open. When the crosses arrived, in the first action, they had the ability to pass the ball and attack and they have quick players.

“We created a lot and had a lot of chances against a team that defend so deep. They punished us on the transitions.”

Bernardo Silva added: “We had a lot of ambition for this competition; we wanted to get really far. I think the team was playing well, so we are very disappointed.

“We play to win trophies, and when we don’t win, we are always disappointed; it’s never enough.

“But the guys that are inside [the changing room] know that we’ve improved and we’re improving a lot.

“We’re starting to feel the team back, the atmosphere in the dressing room, the energy and even the way we play. I think there has been some improvement.

“We’re not totally happy because we wanted to do much better, but we are starting to feel some good energy back from the team to go back to our level.”