Guardiola: Rodri Needs Season After ACL

Pep Guardiola warned Manchester City fans that Rodri may need most of this season — and might only be back to his best around next summer’s World Cup or the following campaign — after an ACL injury that kept him out for almost all of last season. Rodri returned for about an hour in Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw in Monaco and told Guardiola he had 'a lot of pain' in his knee in training. Guardiola expects Rodri to be available for Sunday's trip to Brentford but stressed recovery will be gradual and that the club must manage his minutes carefully. He also backed £50m signing Nico González, praising his ball recoveries and defensive contribution in the final 30 minutes in Monaco despite conceding a late disputed penalty.