Manchester City travel to face West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but Pep Guardiola revealed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that they could be without Fernandinho as he’s recovering slowly from injury.
He said: “(He is) in treatment. It’s two days. I think until the day of the game we will not be able to decide exactly the availability of the players.”
Fernandinho played at centre-back in Wednesday’s 5-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers but was withdrawn after 77 minutes and had picked up a muscle injury.
Rodri ended the game as a makeshift centre-back alongside Nathan Ake against Wolves and might have to start in defence again if Fernandinho fails a late fitness test.
Guardiola said his players must be prepared for any eventuality, adding: “We have to handle it. For one or two games the players will do their best, even not playing their position.”
Rodri has made 44 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring six goals with one assist. He’s been a regular in midfield and hasn’t had a lot of experience at the back, but Guardiola has little choice.
He could be without Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias and John Stones against Wolves, so that leaves Ake as the only senior defender fit. Rodri operating at the back leaves City short of holding midfielders, however, and West Ham are a dangerous side so it’s a big call to make.
In other news, injury to Aymeric Laporte could see Nathan Ake start against West Ham