Manchester City know the equation they are faced with entering tonight’s Premier League fixture against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side must pick up three points to keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta’s side are six points clear of City ahead of tonight’s match. City do, however, have two games in hand on Mikel Arteta’s side. Ahead of tonight’s match, there is one major question mark surrounding Manchester City. That surrounds Rodri’s availability. It isn’t immediately clear if Manchester City’s midfield general will be fit to participate in a match that City simply must win.
Manchester City are still waiting to see if Rodri will be fit to play against Everton.
Speaking on Friday, ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Everton, Pep Guardiola revealed that Rodri was yet to return to training. The Spanish midfielder suffered a calf injury in the latter stages of Manchester City’s crucial 2-1 win over Arsenal just over two weeks ago. Rodri has subsequently missed Manchester City’s past two wins over Burnley and Southampton. Manchester City were never going to take any risks with Rodri’s fitness. Especially after his battle to get back to full fitness earlier this season.
It isn’t immediately clear if Rodri has trained with his Manchester City teammates ahead of tonight’s match. In images shared on mancity.com yesterday, Rodri wasn’t pictured training with his teammates. As of right now it seems that Rodri is in doubt for tonight’s match.
City have options in midfield of Rodri is unable to play.
If Rodri cannot play tonight, Manchester City do have options to cover his absence. Obviously, Bernardo Silva will start in midfield against Everton. Nico or Mateo Kovacic are the prime candidates to step in for Rodri. Nico will be full of confidence after his heroics in last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final. The Spanish midfielder played well and scored a last-minute winner against Southampton. In the 58 minutes that Kovacic played at Wembley, he showed that his injury woes are behind him. Both players could play a role tonight against Everton if required.
Rodri’s availability for tonight’s must-win match for Manchester City against Everton isn’t immediately clear. Rodri’s fitness is the biggest selection query surrounding City tonight. If Rodri cannot play tonight, City does have cover for him. However, it is hoped that City will have one of their most important players available for a tough opponent in Everton tonight.
