Rodri and Jeremy Doku could both feature when Manchester City visit Sunderland on New Year’s Day, manager Pep Guardiola revealed on Wednesday.
Rodri, a key playmaker for City when fit, was an unused substitute
in Saturday’s Premier League win over Nottingham Forest due to his recent injury troubles. The Spaniard, who missed most of last season with a severe knee injury, has faced several setbacks in his return, the latest being a hamstring issue.
Doku, a winger who had an impressive start to the season, has been out for the last four games with a calf injury. Their return could be crucial for City, who are set to miss several players during a busy January schedule. City face 10 games in 32 days across four competitions, including a visit to Tottenham on February 1.
John Stones, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic are also sidelined with injuries, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are participating in the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Rodri has come back,” Guardiola told a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“Maybe he can play a few minutes. I’m looking forward to it. Doku maybe, John and Oscar no.”
Guardiola added: “In terms of squad we are not in our best right now for this tight schedule. It’s right lately we have played with the same guys but with the schedule we have.
“We will arrive back (from Sunderland) at 2:00 am (0200 GMT) or 3:00 am and two days later we have Chelsea and then after that we have Brighton –- really tough opponents. We don’t have many players to rotate.”
City, starting 2026 five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal but with a game in hand, may look to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window. However, Guardiola declined to comment on reports linking the club with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and rumours about Bobb leaving.
“I don’t have any news about anything right now,” said the City boss, who also refused to be drawn on rumours Bobb could leave.
“The winter transfer window is completely closed right now. So, Sunderland…”
Black Cats No Pushover
Sunderland, who are seventh in the table after an impressive return to the top flight following last season’s promotion, will be a tough opponent. City defeated the Black Cats 3-0 at the Etihad on December 6, but Guardiola anticipates a challenging match at the Stadium of Light.
“They are so tough,” he said. “The crowd is unbelievable. They have beaten Newcastle. Arsenal and Aston Villa could not win there.
“They have had really good results. It will be completely different there but at the same time we are ready.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
