Manchester City midfielder Rodri has eased injury concerns following the Club World Cup final.
Pep Guardiola’s side capped off a remarkable year for the club by beating Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense 4-0 in Jeddah.
Julian Alvarez bagged a brace while Phil Foden both scored and forced an own goal as Guardiola became the first manager to win the title on four separate occasions.
Winning in Saudi Arabia also meant City became the first English team to hold the League title, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and now the Club World Cup all at once.
The only downbeat moment of the evening, however, came towards the end of the second-half. Rodri, arguably City’s most important player, was forced off following a challenge with what appeared to be a knock to the ankle.
For all of their dominance domestically, City have tended to struggle without the Spanish international. The champions have lost all three of the League games the 27-year-old has been suspended for this season.
With none of Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland playing any part in Saudi Arabia, losing Rodri would be a major blow.
City travel to Everton on Wednesday 27 December needing to keep the pace with Premier League leaders Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as Aston Villa. They currently sit fourth, five points off the Gunners having already lost to them.
Speaking after the game, Rodri suggested he would be in line to feature at Goodison Park.
“I almost cried after the tackle but I’m fine. I will be fine to play against Everton, no issues.”
