Pep Guardiola hopeful Rodri can return as Man City prepare for Brentford test in tight title race

Rodri has been sidelined since sustaining a groin injury in City's 2-1 win over Arsenal on April 19, a spell that has seen him miss three matches. While City won two of those without him, they were held to a chaotic 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday - a result that left them five points behind the leaders, albeit with a game in hand.

Guardiola confirmed the Spain international remains a doubt but will undergo a late fitness test before a decision is made.

"He made a little problem and still he doesn't feel completely comfortable," Guardiola said. "When he will be ready and fit and come back - this afternoon, hopefully - he will come back. We will see this afternoon."

Pressed further on whether Rodri would feature, the City boss remained cautious but optimistic.

"We have survived without him for many months," he added. "He still doesn't feel completely comfortable. When will he be ready? We will see this afternoon or tomorrow."

Despite Rodri's absence coinciding with dropped points at Everton, Guardiola rejected the idea that the midfielder's injury was to blame for the result.

"It does not depend on him," he said. "We gave it away but not because Rodri was not there."

City's draw at Everton allowed Arsenal to tighten their grip on the title race, with Mikel Arteta's side now able to move within touching distance of the trophy depending on results this weekend. Guardiola, however, insisted his side can only focus on their own performances.

"I love to play at home, what can I say," he said. "Hopefully the fans can come and put pressure on Arsenal. Winning our games is all that we can do."

There was better news on the injury front elsewhere, with defender Josko Gvardiol back in training after a long spell out with a broken leg, while Ruben Dias has also returned to the squad group.

"He's good," Guardiola said of Gvardiol. "Last season he was the most important player for us, played all the games and in the end his body said 'enough is enough'. We're happy he's back."

"Hopefully he can help us in the last part of the season, have a good World Cup with Croatia, then next season we can have him again. He's an important player."

Meanwhile, Guardiola also confirmed positive progress on contract talks involving Phil Foden, with City hopeful of agreeing a new deal despite the midfielder's current contract running until 2027.

"I asked my sporting director," he said. "He said they are close and hopefully it is going to happen. It is not done yet."

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