Manchester Citys Rodri and Doku Might Feature Against Sunderland

Manager Pep Guardiola indicated on Wednesday that Rodri and Jeremy Doku may both participate when Manchester City head to Sunderland on New Years Day.

Rodri, a vital midfielder for the team when available, remained on the bench during Saturdays Premier League victory against Nottingham Forest after his most recent injury issue.

The Spanish player sat out much of the previous campaign due to a major knee injury, and his efforts to get back on the field have been disrupted by multiple problems, including a recent hamstring injury.

Doku, the winger who made a strong impression early in the campaign, has missed the last four matches because of a calf problem.

Their comebacks would prove helpful for a Manchester City team facing absences amid a packed January fixture list.

With 10 matches across four tournaments in just 32 days, including a visit to Tottenham on February 1, the squad is stretched thin.

Injuries sideline John Stones, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.

"Rodri has returned," Guardiola stated during Wednesdays pre match press briefing.

"He might get some minutes on the pitch. Im eager for that. Doku possibly, but not John or Oscar."

Guardiola continued: "Regarding our squad, we are not at full strength for this demanding period. Lately we have relied on the core group, given the fixtures ahead.

"We will get home from Sunderland around 2:00 am or 3:00 am and then face Chelsea two days later, followed by Brighton, both challenging sides. Rotation options are limited."

Manchester City, who enter 2026 trailing Premier League frontrunners Arsenal by five points yet with a match to spare, may bolster their ranks in the January transfer period.

However, Guardiola declined to comment on speculation connecting the club to Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

"No updates on that front at the moment," the manager remarked, also avoiding discussion on potential departures like Oscar Bobb.

"The winter window is shut for now. Focus is on Sunderland."

Sunderland sit seventh after a solid re entry to the elite division post promotion last term.

Manchester City won 3-0 against the Black Cats at home on December 6, yet Guardiola anticipates a stern test at the Stadium of Light.

"They pose a real challenge," he noted. "The atmosphere is electric. They have overcome Newcastle, and Arsenal plus Aston Villa drew blanks there.

"Their form has been excellent. It will feel entirely different away, but we are prepared."