Manchester City assistant manager Kolo Toure said midfielder Rodri will not feature in Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, while manager Pep Guardiola is expected to return to the touchline.
Guardiola missed media duties this week due to a personal matter, with Toure stepping in.
“Pep is fine, it’s a small matter that didn’t bring him here but everything is fine. He will be back for the Palace game for sure,” Toure told reporters.
City, two points behind leaders Arsenal, are seeking to maintain pressure at the top of the table.
Rodri still sidelined
Toure confirmed Rodri remains unavailable despite progress in training.
“Rodri is training really well. He is doing his rehab really well and looks sharper every day, but I don’t think we are going to see him for the weekend,” he said.
Defender John Stones is also recovering from a thigh issue.
“It wasn’t something too big, he will be back soon,” Toure added.
Players heading to the Africa Cup of Nations are expected to depart after the Palace fixture.
Focus on Arsenal chase
City are aiming to close the gap on Arsenal and avenge their FA Cup final defeat to Palace earlier this year.
“When you play for City you know every competition is important. We are working hard every day to put the team in front of us under pressure and try to win the trophy,” Toure said.
He praised Guardiola’s influence, describing him as “the best manager in the world” and stressed that City’s focus remains internal.
“We cannot focus on what Arsenal is doing. Every game is like a final for us,” he added.
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