Published: 22:30, 19 October 2025 | Updated: 22:30, 19 October 2025

Pep Guardiola has cast doubt on Rodri’s availability for Manchester City’s notoriously tough trip to Aston Villa next week.

The City boss insisted there was no chance of the Spain international facing his former club Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday as he recovers from a hamstring problem.

And Rodri – who has suffered three different injury problems since the start of the Club World Cup – could also miss the Premier League game at Villa Park, where they haven’t won since 2021.

‘I don't think so for Villareal - or Aston Villa,’ Guardiola said. ‘It's not long, but it's muscular and you have to be careful.

‘We've tried so many times, we've tried to not take a risk, but we have not been able to (manage) that. So we will see.’

Rodri has been desperate for regular minutes but broke down early on in the 1-0 win at Brentford before the international break.

Pep Guardiola insisted there was no chance of the Spain international facing his...