Rodri and Kovacic Ruled Out for Leeds Clash
According to the most recent injury news delivered by manager Pep Guardiola, Manchester City will be without two of their key midfielders Rodri and Mateo Kovacic in their tough Premier League clash against Leeds United. As per sources, Rodri is still not available due to a lingering thigh injury that has been his source of numerous fitness setbacks during the 2025-26 season, whereas Kovacic is regaining strength after suffering from an ankle and heel following a summer surgery on the Achilles. Neither of the two footballers will be at the Etihad for the game on Saturday when City will be trying to get back on the winning track after losses to Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Rodri’s likely comeback is tentatively schedule for the first week of December in a game against Fulham, as Guardiola is taking a very slow and careful approach to make sure that the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner will be available for a long time. Kovacic is set to be out for a more extended period, probably until mid-March when West Ham United will be the opponent, due to the development of heel calcification among other factors in his case that may necessitate additional intervention. The absence of both of them deepens the shortage of the City’s midfield, which is a big problem, especially considering the team’s packed fixture list.
Guardiola’s Midfield Strategy: Insights and Latest News
Pep Guardiola mention that Rodri is quite close to a comeback but he prefers that the player recovers fully so as not to get the same injury again, whereas Kovacic’s situation is such that he has been use in the rotation and therefore his long-term absence has not had a significant impact on the number of options available to the squad. Nico Gonzalez has taken the vacancy very well, which shows that City are a very strong team even though they are seven points behind Arsenal, the leaders of the league.
By trying to find a player in Martin Zubimendi similar to Rodri that will be able to anchor Arsenal’s midfield, the Spaniard’s unique value to the team is highlight beyond doubt, on the other hand, Pep Guardiola probably extending his stay for another two years is a clear indication that the Manchester City project will go on without interruption for the next couple of years.
An off-pitch plus such as the heavily discounted Oodie merchandise is a way of pleasing fans of Man City during the period when the team are going through
Implications for Leeds Fixture and Beyond
Manchester City which is at the moment in the third position, has to display some tough character in their next game against Leeds. If it happens that main players are out of the game, then it is probably Bernardo Silva who will be rely on to initiate some inventive plays.
Maybe the team’s midfield will be revitalize with the return of Rodri in December. His coming should indeed bring more security. However, they are in a predicament as Kovacic will be absent for a long time and their bench will be very thin until next spring. What this basically says is that the rest of the players will have to show more initiative and take on the responsibility of making up the difference in order for the team to stay at the same level during that time.
Author’s Note
The absence of Rodri and Kovacic deepens the Manchester City squad before the match against Leeds, highlighting Guardiola’s careful management. Their comeback will be very important to keep the fight for the title alive against other challengers.
