Pep Guardiola has issued an update on Rodri ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.
The Spaniard limped off in the 2-1 win over Arsenal with a groin injury that kept him out of the 1-0 victory at Burnley.
That result took City top of the table, ending the Gunners’ six-month stint at the summit.
Rodri was replaced in the starting XI by Rayan Ait-Nouri with the versatile Nico O’Reilly stepping into midfield alongside Bernardo Silva.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Guardiola gave City fans reason for optimism when asked about the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
"He's better,” Guardiola said.
“No, [he is not likely to play] we don't want to take the risk."
"I don't know [if he will be back for the Everton game] but we don't want to take a risk, because if he's injured, [and] we lose him [for] the next five games. Rodri is so important."
City face Southampton this weekend before their focus returns to the Premier League title race the week after.
They take on a tricky task at Europe-chasing Everton before a home clash against Brentford, who are also eyeing continental competition.
Elsewhere on the injury front, City are without Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
The pair have been sidelined for a while with respective ankle and leg issues.
Dias had recently recovered from a hamstring problem before being struck down with a new setback, while Gvardiol has been out since the new year with a broken leg that he sustained against Chelsea.
