Manchester City's Problems Ahead Of Arsenal: Fewer Resttimes And Doubts Rodri's Status

Manchester City has less rest time than Arsenal (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - Manchester City will travel to Arsenal headquarters, Emirates Stadium, to play the fifth week of the 2025/2026 Premier League, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 22.30 WIB.

The Citizens came in no better condition than the hosts. Pep Guardiola's side only had two days to prepare their players after winning over Napoli 2-0 in the Champions League on Friday, September 19, 2025, early morning WIB.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have 48 hours of rest after playing their Champions League opener against Athletic Club on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 WIB.

When asked what the plan was for pre-assessment before the trip to London, Guardiola joked, but agreed about the lack of rest time for his players.

"They will go climbing the mountain. Yes, we will do that for two (preparations) today," said the Spaniard jokingly.

"Obviously. Recovery, rest, rest, rest, and have energy for Sunday," he said again.

In addition to less rest time than Arsenal, Guardiola is gamang on whether to play Rodri as a starter at the Emirates or not.

The midfielder, who is still trying to get back fully fit after knee surgery, has started against Manchester United and Napoli this week.

However, Guardiola revealed Rodri asked to be replaced in the second half against Napoli and complained of feeling uncomfortable during the training session Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

The Spaniard is still monitoring the condition of the 29-year-old midfielder whether he is ready to start three intense matches in eight days or not.

"That's a good question. I don't know yet. He's very smart, I know the result isn't over yet, 1-0 (against Napoli) is always difficult, but he doesn't feel well. We always try to talk."

"We saw the progress day by day, but we had to be ready for the game. For example, during a training session, he felt uncomfortable."

"He doesn't feel well, but says no, no, I'll be fine (to play against Napoli) and play amazingly, like Rodri."

"With him on the pitch, we feel more comfortable, but of course after the injury, we have to be vigilant. We will decide on Sunday how his condition is," said Guardiola.

Manchester City came to the Emirates with ambitions to continue the positive trend after the start of the bad season. After losing to Tottenham Hotspur (0-2) and Brighton (1-2), The Citizens rose by beating Manchester United (3-0) and Napoli (2-0).