Rodri is back in Manchester City’s squad for their Premier League encounter with Tottenham on Saturday.
The midfielder missed most of last season with an ACL injury and then damaged his groin at the Club World Cup, ruling him out of much of City’s preseason.
A setback in his recovery meant he also sat out last weekend’s Premier League opener against Wolves, which City won 4-0, but Rodri is available for the game against Spurs – as is Phil Foden, who missed the match with a fitness issue.
“Rodri and Phil, last game, they were out for a lack of training and rhythm,” Guardiola said. “They are ready for tomorrow.”
Guardiola hailed Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, as the “best player in the world”.
“I just want consistent Rodri, that’s all. I don’t have any doubts about his potential, quality – still he’s the best player in the world. In a few months they will elect a new one.”
Guardiola said only Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Savinho remain out with injuries.
When asked if summer signing James Trafford will start again in goal amid rumours that Ederson is on the move to Turkish club Galatasaray, Guardiola kept his cards close to his chest.
“We will decide tomorrow or tonight after dinner. I am happy with him, the new players always bring a new energy and James brings his youth and desire to play for the club he grew up at,” Guardiola said of Trafford, who was excellent in his Premier League debut last weekend.
“I said many times it was just his first game, we just have to be consistent and we have to be better and improve.”
While the transfer window closes on 1 September, the manager sidestepped questions about transfer rumours, including about defender Manuel Akanji, who has also been linked to Galatasaray.
“I don’t know,” Guardiola said. “They are our players and we will see what happens. A few things are going to happen and we will see.”
Their dominant victory over Wolves last week had fans chanting “City are back!” but Guardiola downplayed suggestions they have their swagger back after their disappointing third-place finish last season.
“I don’t know. We have played one game. I like a lot of the things I am seeing day-to-day in the training,” he said. “I would like to be a magician and know what is going to happen but I don’t know.”
Spurs also got their campaign off to a flying start, beating Burnley 3-0. Guardiola had kind words for new manager Thomas Frank.
“It’s too early to know (how they have changed) but I have no doubt that Thomas will do an incredible job at a big, big club, just like he did at Brentford,” he said.
“He is a top class manager and he offers a different alternative to how they can play. Going into a new club is always funny and a different challenge but you have to wait.”
additional reporting by Reuters
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