Guardiola has been trying to balance the need to get Rodri back on the pitch with the risk of re-injury. "We've tried so many times, we've tried to not take a risk, but we haven't been able to manage that," he explained.

Meanwhile, midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been making progress in his recovery from an Achilles injury. Guardiola is eager to get Kovacic back to full fitness, praising his ability to control the ball and keep possession.

"Kovacic has a special quality with the ball," Guardiola said. "We can't forget he's come from surgery and a three or four-month injury. We need his quality back."

Guardiola wants Kovacic to gradually increase his playing time, starting with shorter matches and working his way up to full 90 minutes. He believes this approach will benefit both Kovacic and the team.

"I want Kovacic for 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes," Guardiola said. "In time, we'll get it. But now, I don't have that feeling that he's ready to play that. And it won'