Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that influential midfielder Rodri will not feature in Tuesday night’s Premier League meeting with Fulham, delivering a significant blow ahead of a key fixture in the title race.

City have won three of their last five matches in all competitions and remain firmly in the hunt after Arsenal dropped points against Chelsea at the weekend. Guardiola’s side also boast an impressive record against Fulham, winning the last five meetings between the two teams, and will look to extend that run at Craven Cottage.

Guardiola Responds to Donnarumma Accusations

Guardiola was first asked about the fallout from Leeds United manager Daniel Farke’s claim that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had feigned injury to “bend the rules” during their weekend encounter.

Asked whether City might have dropped points in such a situation last season, Guardiola remained dismissive:

“I don’t know if City would have won that game last season. I am not able to know what would have happened. It all depends on Phil putting the ball in the net. I don’t define the mentality of the team on one win; I don’t believe in these things.”

He added that he had not discussed the incident with Donnarumma: “It is what it is. I haven’t spoken to him about it.”

Guardiola Praises Marco Silva

Fulham manager Marco Silva recently took charge of his 200th match for the club as they beat Brentford 2-1. Guardiola offered strong praise for the Portuguese coach.

“Marco has been there for many years. Their organisation is exceptional and with the ball they are getting better and better. They are a tough opponent. Against Chelsea, Arsenal, Sunderland… it’s always difficult to break them down. It’s always been the same at this beautiful stadium in London.”

Rodri Still Out

When asked about Rodri’s availability, Guardiola needed just two words: “Not yet.”

The Spanish midfielder has played only one minute of football since mid-October and remains a crucial absentee for City.

In a rare brief appearance, Guardiola wrapped up the press conference in just two minutes—an unusually short outing for a manager typically more expansive with his answers.