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Pep Guardiola confirms Rodri is fit to face Tottenham, calling him the best player in the world.
Rodri is set to return to Manchester City squad. (PC: @ManCity/X)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola announced that Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is fit to play against Tottenham on Saturday, referring to him as “the best player in the world.”
The Spanish midfielder missed much of last season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained against Arsenal in September. Rodri returned towards the end of the season but experienced a setback, causing him to miss parts of pre-season and City’s 4-0 win at Wolves last weekend to start their Premier League campaign.
Guardiola, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, emphasized Rodri’s excellence and potential, adding that with consistent training and game time, everything would be fine. Rodri’s return is a significant boost for City’s pursuit of the Premier League title after finishing third last season.
The team’s 4-0 win at Molineux showcased new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, who both scored, and saw goalkeeper James Trafford making his first senior start for City in his second stint with the club. Guardiola mentioned he has yet to decide on the starting goalkeeper for the match against Spurs, with Ederson now available after being linked with Galatasaray.
Guardiola praised the new players for bringing new energy and ideas, noting the importance of consistency and improvement for the upcoming match against Spurs.
Additionally, City defender Ruben Dias extended his contract by two years on Friday, keeping him at the Etihad until 2029. Dias expressed his happiness, stating that City aligns perfectly with his ambitions and that he considers Manchester his home. Reflecting on the trophies won and the team’s style of play since his arrival in 2020 from Benfica, Dias couldn’t imagine playing elsewhere.
(With AFP Inputs)
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
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