Manchester City have received a massive boost ahead of their clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, as midfield maestro Rodri is set to return to action. City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed the Spaniard’s availability and went further to label the Ballon d’Or winner as “the best player in the world,” underlining his importance to the team’s ambitions this season.
Rodri has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines following an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in September last year. Although he briefly returned towards the end of the last campaign, a minor setback forced him to miss pre-season and the recent 4-0 victory over Wolves. His comeback is expected to inject stability and creativity into a City midfield that lacked his influence for much of last season, when the club finished a distant third in the Premier League.
Speaking ahead of the Spurs encounter, Guardiola praised the impact of new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, both of whom found the net in the win over Wolves. “The new players bring new energy, new everything,” the manager said, stressing that consistency and squad depth would be crucial in sustaining a serious title challenge this term.
On the goalkeeping front, Guardiola faces a selection dilemma, with Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson back in contention after recovering from injury and cooling transfer links with Galatasaray. Young goalkeeper James Trafford, who impressed on his senior debut, is also pushing for a place, giving Guardiola plenty to consider ahead of Saturday’s high-profile fixture.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s defensive ranks have been strengthened by a significant development off the pitch. Portuguese centre-back Rúben Dias has signed a new two-year contract extension, keeping him at the Etihad until 2029. Dias, who joined from Benfica in 2020, expressed his delight at committing his future to the club, stating, “City is where I want to be at the top of the sport, competing for trophies.”
