Manchester City plan to give star midfielder "a rest" after Real Madrid thriller

After playing an integral role in helping Man City win a history treble last season, Rodri acknowledged in August 2023 that 'playing 60 games a season is not healthy'.

The Spain international remains a key cog in Pep Guardiola's machine and has made a total of 41 appearances across all competitions so far this season, starting in each of those games and playing the full 90 minutes on 31 occasions.

Only nine outfield players across Europe's top-five leagues have notched up more minutes that Rodri (3,498) in the 2023-24 campaign, with one of those being Man City teammate Phil Foden (3,560).

Rodri's latest outing was in the Citizens' thrilling 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

Rodri played the full 90 minutes against Los Blancos, but he was previously withdrawn in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, matches that City went on to win 4-1 and 4-2 respectively.

The 27-year-old, who at times looked laboured and uncharacteristically made a few misplaced passes at the Bernabeu, has since admitted that Man City's hectic fixture schedule is taking its toll.

«Every one of us can do better, even myself, but we need to rest to be honest,» Rodri told reporters after the match as quoted by the Independent.

«I do. I do need a rest. Let's see how we speak, how we live the situation. Sometimes it is what it is.

»I need to adjust. It (rest) is something we are planning, yes."

Rodri's availability