Pep Guardiola makes Man City decision over Rodri injury - 'So important'

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is taking care of Rodri's injury as the Spaniard looks to return to the pitch.

Rodri will sit out Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final with Southampton as the Blues look to have him fit for as many Premier League games as possible. The Spaniard was with the squad at Burnley in midweek despite not being in the squad but may not even return for the trip to Everton a week on Monday.

For the second year in a row, Rodri came off injured in a home game with Arsenal. And while his issue last Sunday was far less serious, the struggle for the 29-year-old to work his way back to full fitness this season has left City anxious not to lose him again.

The concern at the club is that bringing Rodri back too early could see him ruled out of the final Premier League games as City look to beat Arsenal to the title. The Blues went top for the first time since August when they beat Burnley in midweek, but Arsenal can return there by beating Newcastle on Saturday while City are in FA Cup action.

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"He's better. We don't want to take a risk. I don't know yet [if he'll play vs Everton] - hopefully but we don't want to take a risk because if he's injured we will lose him for the next five games and Rodri is so important," said Guardiola.

Guardiola opted against starting Nico Gonzalez at Burnley in Rodri's absence despite the midfielder being a like-for-like replacement. Instead, Nico O'Reilly was moved into midfield and Rayan Ait-Nouri brought into the team to play left-back.

City could make several changes after a tiring week emotionally as well as physically with the Arsenal and Burnley games, but Guardiola needs all of his squad to lift themselves.

"They are happy," the manager said. "The guys who don't play much are not as happy as they must be. And now just focus on the game tomorrow, with the selection, the spirit, how we've recovered players from the last two incredibly demanding games."