Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is fit to face Tottenham on Saturday and remains, in his eyes, “the best player in the world.”
The Spanish midfielder endured a difficult 2024/25 season, missing several months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal last September.
He returned late in the campaign but suffered a setback that ruled him out of parts of pre-season and City’s 4-0 win at Wolves last weekend.
“He’s still so far the best player in the world until we elect a new one in a few months,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday. “I don’t have any doubts about his potential and quality. With consistent training, games and minutes, everything will be fine.”
Rodri’s comeback is a huge boost for City, who are looking to reclaim the Premier League title after finishing a distant third last season.
New signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki impressed with goals on their debuts against Wolves, while goalkeeper James Trafford made his first senior start for the club.
However, Guardiola confirmed he is yet to decide whether Trafford or Ederson — now back and linked with Galatasaray — will start against Spurs.
“The new players bring new energy, new everything,” Guardiola said. “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 have to do better against Spurs.”
Meanwhile, City defender Rúben Dias has signed a two-year contract extension until 2029.
The 28-year-old, who joined from Benfica in 2020, said:
“City is where I want to be — at the top of the sport, competing for trophies. The club’s ambition aligns perfectly with mine. When I think about the trophies we’ve won and the way we’ve played during my time here, I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else.”