Manchester City blow as Rodri ruled out with injury

Pep Guardiola has ruled Rodri out of Wednesday’s game, with the midfielder now racing to return for Everton

Rodri will miss Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Burnley on Wednesday night, handing Arsenal a small boost as the title race moves into its final stretch.

There is every chance more Arsenal supporters will be watching events at Turf Moor than City fans themselves, with Pep Guardiola’s side knowing a win by two clear goals or more would send them to the top of the table with five games left to play.

That leaves little room for error for Arsenal, so any setback for City is bound to draw attention, even if the champions should still be expected to have too much for a Burnley side sitting 19th in the table.

Speaking about Rodri, Guardiola said: “I think he will not be ready for tomorrow and we will see for the next games,”

“Maybe [he will be back for] the semi-final with Southampton or in 12 or 13 days against Everton.”

Rodri is reportedly dealing with a groin injury picked up against Arsenal on Sunday, and his absence gives Mikel Arteta’s side at least a flicker of encouragement before a match that could have a significant impact on the Premier League table.

• Arsenal star’s season over with injury
  Arsenal have confirmed that Ben White’s season is over after the defender picked up a knee injury against West Ham on Saturday.
• Injured Arsenal duo pushing to make comebacks this season but bad news for Ben White
  Mikel Merino is doing sprint and conditioning work whilst Jurrien Timber hasn’t been ruled out of a return this season, but the news doesn’t look good for Ben White.
• Arsenal’s Odegaard provides update on knee injury
  Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has provided a positive update on his ongoing struggles with a knee injury, suggesting he’s finally starting to feel better.
• Arsenal injury blow raises fears of MCL problem
  Analysis of the incident leading to Ben White’s injury on Sunday has provoked fears of an MCL issue, with Mikel Arteta admitting it doesn’t look good.
• Arteta says Ben White injury ‘doesn’t look good’, confirms Calafiori injury
  Arsenal stayed in control of their title destiny at West Ham, but victory came with concern after Ben White left the London Stadium with his knee in a brace and worries over Riccardo Calafiori.