Why is Rodri not playing against Burnley
Manchester City have a quick turnaround after their win over Arsenal on Sunday. Tonight they play Burnley without one of Pep Guardiola’s star midfielders.

Manchester City have a quick turnaround after their massive win over Arsenal on Sunday. It’s tricky match at Burnley and City will be without one of their key figures for the midweek encounter from Turf Moor.
Rodir “not ready” for Burnley
Pep Guardiola all but counted Rodri out of Wednesday’s game against the 19th placed side in the league. “I think he will not be ready for tomorrow and we will see for the next games,” said the City manager in the prematch presser on Tuesday.
Rodri sustained a calf injury vs Arsenal 🩼
— mcfc lads (@mcfc_lads) April 21, 2026
However, scans have revealed that the problem is 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒. ✅
[via @hirstclass] pic.twitter.com/a3azmMgxnd
Rodri came off the pitch on the 88th minute in Sunday’s match against Arsenal, and had a slight limp. After the match, reports came out that the midfielder had suffered a groin injury. It’s not considered to be serious but no time table has been announced for his return.
Since winning the Ballon d’Or a couple seasons ago, the City anchor in the midfield has been battling injury after injury. A torn ACL forced him to miss nearly all of last season, and this season a hamstring injury has followed him for a good portion of the campaign.
A chance to take the league lead
Guardiola and the rest of the City fans know will be hoping that this is just a minor niggle with five games remaining in the season. They also have an FA Cup tie against Southampton over the weekend which Rodri remains a doubt for.
Pep 💬 We go to Burnley and have to perform to the level that we have to do. We go to try and win the game because it’s what we need. pic.twitter.com/Rr09t2xQhW
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 21, 2026
The question is if Rodri will be ready to go against Everton in their next League match after Burnley. That game isn’t until Monday, May 5th which will give the Spaniard a few extra days to get healthy for a massive match from the Ethiad.
Tonight, City have a chance to jump Arsenal for the top spot in the league after trailing by nine points just a few weeks ago. If they beat Burnley they will join Arsenal at 70 points, and if they beat the Clarets by two goals they will go to the top of the table with the goal difference advantage over the Gunners.
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