#rodri

#rodri

For me, that type of midfielder, I think Rodri was the pinnacle when he won the Ballon d'Or. He hasn't quite hit those levels [since] because of injury. I think he's slightly different to Rice. I think Rice has a little bit more going forward. Rice can play as a No.6 at a really top-class level but I think you're taking a little bit away from what he can offer when you get him to stay there.

"Right now he [Rodri] is not able to play three games a week at top level with the intensity and demand of the opponents," the City boss said.

Reijnders insists he is willing to play in any position in Manchester City's midfield under Pep Guardiola amid Rodri's injury setback. He scored two goals in a pre-season friendly.

Manchester City is concerned about the possibility of losing Spain captain Rodri, as he has yet to decide whether to extend his contract beyond 2027.

He's getting better. It's almost nine months since the sad day it happened. He has been out for a long time. He's getting better.

Guardiola said: No [he can't start]. He's getting better. We're not going to forget that it's almost nine months since the sad day it happened.

Foden has been struggling with an ankle injury and off-field issues; Guardiola insists he did not collaborate with Tuchel on Foden’s absence from the England squad.