Man City manager Pep Guardiola has played down injury concerns about Rodri, despite the midfielder being substituted against Napoli on Thursday evening.

The 29-year-old was taken off on the hour mark during the 2-0 win, prompting speculation about his fitness.

Asked about Rodri in his post-match interview, Guardiola said that the midfielder was “fine” and there was no cause for alarm, despite the player having asked to be replaced.

The Spaniard’s availability is particularly important with the massive Premier League clash coming up against Arsenal this weekend.

What did Rodri say after the Napoli match?

When questioned why he requested the substitution, the midfielder said he wasn’t concerned about suffering an injury, but he needs to manage his minutes:

“To be honest, I’m not worried about that [getting injured again]. I think the schedule now is a bit busy with three games so try to be smart and don’t want to play every game. Be progressive.”

“But I’m really happy, first because of the team and then individually because I’m feeling better every day.”

Are any other Man City stars in danger of missing the Arsenal game?

John Stones and Kalvin Phillips were not in the matchday squad for the victory against Napoli but they are now back in full training, so one or both could be in contention for Sunday’s fixture.

Marcus Bettinelli is also back available. The summer signing from Chelsea was a surprise inclusion on the bench on Thursday, having missed the opening four Premier League fixtures with an unspecified fitness issue.

That means there are now just 4 players on the treatment table. Mateo Kovacic is expected to return to action very soon, having fully recovered from surgery on his Achilles. Omar Marmoush (knee), Rayan Ait-Nouri (ankle) and Rayan Cherki (thigh) are the other three absentees.

Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here