StadiumPosts Logo
Stay upto date with notifications from Stadiumposts
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences

MAN CITY RECEIVE RODRI BOOST, BUT HIDDEN CONCERNS STILL LOOM

Rodri is back in full training for Manchester City, but the club must manage his return carefully after a year of persistent niggles and injuries following his serious knee problem.

top-news
Rodri Returns to Training - COURTESY/PHOTO

The Blues will undoubtedly benefit from Rodri's return to full Manchester City training, but we have been here before.

After suffering a knee injury against Arsenal 13 months ago, Rodri has had a patchy season as he works to regain his full fitness and form.

The midfield player, obviously, has yet to reach his peak and has been in and out of the team with problems.

After suffering a hamstring injury at Brentford during the October international break, the player expressed his wish to be healthy for Everton's visit to the Etihad earlier this month.

In the end, the Spaniard was unable to win that match and the next two at Villarreal and Aston Villa. Given his fitness concerns and his return to full training, Swansea City in the Carabao Cup also feels like a step too far.

On the comeback trail, City and Rodri need to exercise caution. The term "step-by-step" is frequently used by Pep Guardiola when talking about players getting back to full health. It has to be baby step by baby step for Rodri.

He will be the most knowledgeable about his body, but City must also be careful not to compromise long-term durability in favour of his desire to play.

The balancing act between player and club is challenging, if not impossible, but it is one that City and Rodri must master.

After suffering such a severe knee injury, players frequently experience niggles and bumps while making a full recovery. But in order to reap long-term benefits later on, the cycle must eventually be interrupted, even if it takes a little longer to recuperate today.

City may have trouble finding its rhythm until the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner can settle into regular games and find his.

DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE

Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.

top-news
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images

Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.

The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.

The disciplinary committee of the RFEF


"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."

Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.

Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.

No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.

ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.

top-news
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)

According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.

Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.

Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.

Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.

Premier League Standings

WhatsApp Read More News