Rodri ruled out but duo close to returning for Man City

Pep Guardiola says Rodri will miss their upcoming game against Everton.

The midfielder has suffered a hamstring injury and is set for another spell on the sidelines.

“No news,” Man City boss Guardiola said when asked about Rodri’s fitness. “He is not ready for tomorrow. I don’t know when he will be back.”

Duo Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri are close to returning, however, following their respective injury problems.

Marmoush has missed several weeks for City after suffering a knee injury while playing for Egypt.

Ait-Nouri, meanwhile, has also been out since last month with an ankle problem.

“They trained yesterday and they are much, much better,” Guardiola said. “They are close to comeback.”

Mateo Kovacic played his first minutes of the season for Croatia over the international break and Guardiola says he is delighted to have him back, though says he will be cautious with the midfielder.

“It’s important he is back step by step,” he said.