A month after his ACL damage, Rodri claimed the Ballon d’Or trophy, awarded to the world’s greatest footballer of the yr, after dropping only one sport for membership and nation and serving to Spain triumph on the 2024 European Championship.

He returned to motion within the penultimate sport of the 2024-25 marketing campaign in opposition to Bournemouth in Could and performed in all 4 video games on the Fifa Membership World Cup in america however endured an damage setback in Metropolis’s shock last-16 defeat by Saudi Arabia aspect Al-Hilal.

Rodri then missed the beginning of this season and has featured in solely eight Premier League and Champions League video games to date, taking part in a complete of 415 minutes.

He sat out Tuesday’s thrilling 5-4 victory at Fulham, the place Marco Silva’s aspect threatened an unimaginable comeback from 5-1 behind.

“Rodri is one other stage of the gamers,” added Guardiola. “If Rodri got here on for the final 20 minutes in opposition to Fulham, put him within the center and are you aware what’s the impact? Simply his presence, not even touching the ball? The opposite 10 gamers really feel secure they usually play higher.

“What is going to you do, you are a soccer participant or you’re a journalist, over 18 months you can’t do your job. You need to write, you need inspiration and present how good you might be and you can’t do it. How do you are feeling? It feels dangerous.

“In fact, he’s robust and in some moments he’s unhappy. I’d not be comfortable if he isn’t unhappy or involved. Forward of us, we’ve got many nightmare issues to reside. He must be there. He will probably be there.”