Pep Guardiola will be without one of his key midfielders when Man City visit Aston Villa in the Premier League(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Manchester City will be without one of their most important players when Pep Guardiola's side visit Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon. The Spanish tactician has confirmed that midfielder Rodri will not be fit to face the Villans.

The 29-year-old has not played for City since October 5, when he was forced off in the first half against Brentford with a hamstring problem. The Spanish international had hoped to be involved in his side's home victory against Everton last Saturday, but Guardiola has now confirmed that his key midfielder will miss the Champions League trip to Villarreal on Tuesday and beyond.

As per the club's official website, when asked if Rodri could play in his homeland this week, the City boss said: "I don’t think so. Aston Villa I don’t think so either. It’s not long but it’s muscular.

“We have to be careful. We tried many times to prevent another injury but we have not been able to do that...