Everton vs Manchester City: Rodri Fitness Call Shapes Guardiola’s Plans

Rodri Race Dominates City Build Up

Manchester City head to Everton on Monday night with one familiar question shaping Pep Guardiola’s thinking, can Rodri return without risk? The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner remains a doubt for the Premier League trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium after suffering a calf injury in the 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Rodri has since missed the victory at Burnley and the FA Cup semi-final comeback against Southampton at Wembley. Guardiola believes the midfielder is improving, but City are wary of rushing back a player whose value lies in far more than passing accuracy. He gives Manchester City balance, authority and calm, especially in hostile away fixtures where control often decides the contest.

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After a difficult couple of years with injury, caution feels sensible. Everton will test City’s rhythm and physical edge, and Guardiola must decide whether Rodri is ready for that intensity.

Everton Test Places Focus on Midfield

If Rodri is unavailable, City have options, even if none offer quite the same command. Nico O’Reilly deputised alongside departing captain Bernardo Silva against Burnley, while Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic joined Tijjani Reijnders in a rotated midfield against Southampton.

Gonzalez’s late winner at Wembley strengthened his claim for another start. O’Reilly, however, has played regularly in midfield this season and his deployment there would allow Rayan Ait-Nouri to continue at left-back. Guardiola’s decision may therefore shape two areas of the pitch, not merely one.

Everton will look to turn any uncertainty into pressure. A Monday night home crowd, an aggressive start and direct running could all test City’s reshaped midfield before their passing patterns settle.

Defensive Absences Continue to Bite

Manchester City also remain without Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. Dias has not played since the 2-1 Champions League last-16 second-leg defeat by Real Madrid on March 17 because of an ankle issue. Gvardiol has been sidelined since suffering a leg fracture against Chelsea on January 4, later requiring surgery.

Guardiola has suggested both defenders are progressing, but neither is ready. Gianluigi Donnarumma should return in goal after James Trafford played in the FA Cup, with Matheus Nunes at right-back and Abdukodir Khusanov likely to partner Marc Guehi in central defence.

Haaland Return Restores Familiar Threat

Erling Haaland is expected to return up front after starting on the bench at Wembley, replacing Omar Marmoush. Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku should provide the support, with Phil Foden likely to drop out.

For Manchester City, this Everton fixture is about control, patience and smart selection. For Everton, it is a chance to attack uncertainty. Rodri’s fitness may yet decide the balance of Guardiola’s side.

Predicted Manchester City XI, 4-2-3-1: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri, Silva, O’Reilly, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.

Kick-off is 8pm BST on Monday May 4, 2026, at Hill Dickinson Stadium.