"Returning from something as serious as a cruciate ligament injury was never going to be straightforward. He made a tentative comeback at the end of last season after months out and continues to readjust to a role the Ballon d'Or winner had made his own. Pep Guardiola has been quite clear that Rodri cannot yet cope with the rigours of playing three games in a week."
"What it also clear is that City need to evaluate their succession plan. Nico Gonzalez replaced his compatriot at the Stade Louis II and made headlines by introducing his shin pad to Eric Dier's face in the dying moment of the game. That moment of poor decision-making cost his side victory and since joining from Porto for almost 50m, the 23-year-old has rarely given the impression of being a long-term replacement for Rodri."
"Mateo Kovacic has watched from the bench in the past two games after recovering from surgery. The Croatian was the preferred option in the No 6 role during Rodri's absence, offering a combative alternative, aided by being more accustomed to the Premier League than Gonzalez, but he too is not a long-term replacement, especially given he is 31-years-old. The second part of the midfield pairing is Tijjani Reijnders, who continues to evolve in the role Guardiola wants him to play."
Rodri is returning from a cruciate ligament injury and needs careful management to rebuild match fitness and confidence. Pep Guardiola has limited his minutes, withdrawing him after an hour in Monaco and resting him for the Burnley game. Manchester City must assess midfield succession because Nico González has shown poor decision-making and has not yet convinced as a long-term replacement. Mateo Kovacic provides experience and a combative option but is 31 and not a lasting solution. Tijjani Reijnders is developing into the desired second midfield role, but further planning is required to sustain domestic and European challenges.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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