- Guardiola delivers mixed updates ahead of key fixtures
- One player nears return while others remain doubtful
- Squad depth continues to be tested in crucial period
Pep Guardiola has offered fresh injury updates on several key Manchester City players ahead of their Premier League encounter with Burnley.
After an emphatic win against Arsenal last Sunday, Man City are set to face Burnley tomorrow night at Turf Moor.
Three points on an away day will flip the tables in this year’s title race. After around 200 days of top of the table dominance by Arsenal, City finally have the chance to have their say before the title is decided.
However, today, in the pre-match press conference, Guardiola offered injury updates and the Sky Blues are set to miss two of their men tomorrow.
Pep Guardiola offers injury updates
John Stones made the bench against Arsenal but did not feature in the 2-1 win on Sunday. This obviously hinted at the player’s return, offering City more options in the back four.
Things for Ruben Dias and Rodri, however, do not look good. Dias hasn’t recovered yet and won’t return against Burnley, while Rodri isn’t expected to return tomorrow either.
"I think he [Rodri} will not be ready for tomorrow" ❌
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 21, 2026
Pep Guardiola does not expect Rodri to be fit to face Burnley and confirms Ruben Dias remains out with injury. pic.twitter.com/DAJh6rOQ2F
“I think for tomorrow, he [Rodri] will not be ready. And we’ll see in the next games: the semi-final against Southampton, or in 12, 13 days against Everton,” Guardiola told the press.
On Stones, he said: “The only [thing] I can say is that he’s back [from injury]. After two, three weeks or one month, he’s training with us, and this is the best news.”
The Sky Blues manager was asked about Stones’ future at the club, but the Catalan only responded with an injury update. At the end of the interview, Guradiola also confirmed that Dias will not be available tomorrow.
Rodri’s absence poses a challenge for Man City
After making a decent display at the Etihad this Sunday, Rodri’s absence will be felt in the City midfield against Burnley.
The Ballon d’Or winner picked up a groin injury later in the game against Arsenal. He was forced off the pitch in the 88th minute and was replaced by Nico Gonzalez.
Despite the apparent challenge this problem poses, Guardiola seemed confident in Nico to fill the gap. The Galician midfielder has made 15 starts in the Premier League this season, in the absence of Rodri.
“Nico Gonzalez has helped us a lot, a lot this season in the absence of Rodri, and he’s helped us to be in the position that we are right now,” Guardiola added.
Losing against Burnley would be costly
Man City will finally have the chance to be top of the league after a long spell under the No.1 spot. However, the Sky Blues also bear some pressure now after defeating Arsenal.
Burnley are the Citizens’ easiest clash of all the end-of-season fixtures. With a game in hand, they should make use of this opportunity to leave the Gunners behind.
Guardiola’s men have an excellent record against the Clarets. In their last game at Turn Moor, City came out with a 3-0 win and will be hoping to achieve the same on Wednesday night.
