Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City will be without Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, with doubts also surrounding the fitness of Nico Gonzalez. City arrive in Birmingham in strong form, unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions and sitting second in the Premier League. A 2-0 win over Villarreal in midweek kept their Champions League campaign on course, but new injury concerns now threaten squad depth.
Rodri and Khusanov ruled out of Aston Villa trip
Speaking to the press on Friday, Guardiola made it clear that both Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov remain unavailable. Rodri has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury in the win over Brentford earlier this month. Meanwhile, Khusanov — who picked up an injury in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal — has yet to return to full training.
“Still the guys who were not able in Villarreal, still they are not ready,” Guardiola said. On Khusanov’s recovery timeline, he added: “I think he’s close to coming back but he’s still not ready. (He) has an injury in a dangerous, dangerous position in his body.”
Nico Gonzalez a fresh doubt after Villarreal injury
Nico Gonzalez has stepped up impressively in Rodri’s absence, but the 23-year-old suffered a foot injury against Villarreal and was replaced by Mateo Kovačić. Guardiola confirmed that no final decision has been made on Gonzalez’s availability for Aston Villa, with further assessments planned across the weekend.
“I didn’t see the doctors, and we’ll see tomorrow – today and tomorrow – how does he (Gonzalez) feel. Something with his feet,” Guardiola explained.
Kovacic, Cherki, and Aké boost squad rotation
There were positives for Man City last weekend as Mateo Kovačić and Rayan Cherki returned to action in the 2‑0 win over Everton. Nathan Aké also made his first Premier League start since February, allowing Josko Gvardiol to rest following concerns over his intense workload last season. Jack Grealish, currently on loan at Everton, was ineligible to face his parent club.
With depth stretched in midfield and another tight turnaround on the calendar, Guardiola may be forced to reshuffle his starting eleven once again at Villa Park.
As Manchester City continue their pursuit of top spot, all eyes will be on the fitness of Nico Gonzalez. If he joins Rodri and Khusanov on the sidelines, Guardiola’s midfield puzzle could become even more complicated in a critical phase of the campaign.
