Manchester City’s hopes of salvaging silverware this season suffered another blow after a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, with Pep Guardiola forced to watch from the sidelines without his key midfielder Rodri. The Spaniard, who returned to training in late April, was not fit enough to make the matchday squad at Wembley.
City fell behind to a first-half goal from Eberechi Eze and couldn’t recover, marking their second successive FA Cup final defeat and confirming their first trophyless season since 2016–17. While the Cup is now out of reach, focus shifts to the Premier League, where City aim to secure a top-five finish and confirm UEFA Champions League qualification.
With two critical away fixtures remaining – against Bournemouth and Fulham – Guardiola may soon be boosted by the potential returns of Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Nathan Ake. Here’s the full injury rundown ahead of the run-in.
🩹 Rodri
Injury: ACL tear
Potential return: Sunday, May 25 vs Fulham (A)
Rodri, City’s Ballon d’Or-winning engine in midfield, tore his ACL earlier in the season and underwent surgery. Initially expected to miss the remainder of the campaign, the Spaniard has surprised medical staff with his rapid recovery, rejoining training in late April.
Although many hoped for a shock return in the FA Cup final, Guardiola opted against risking him, citing lack of match fitness. Still, Rodri could feature in the final game of the season against Fulham, provided City’s Champions League fate is already sealed.
🩺 John Stones
Injury: Thigh strain
Potential return: Unknown
Stones has been out since picking up a thigh injury during the Champions League knockout clash with Real Madrid in February. The defender avoided surgery but has not featured in training since, and no fresh updates have been offered. A return this season looks unlikely, with Guardiola planning ahead without him.
⚡ Oscar Bobb
Injury: Hamstring
Potential return: Sunday, May 25 vs Fulham (A)
Bobb has endured a frustrating season blighted by injury. After returning from a fractured leg suffered post-Community Shield, he suffered a hamstring injury in late April. He was not fit in time for the Southampton game or the FA Cup final, but has resumed partial training. A return against Fulham could be on the cards if City’s qualification is secured.
🛡️ Nathan Ake
Injury: Fractured foot
Potential return: Sunday, May 25 vs Fulham (A)
Ake fractured his foot in the FA Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle and underwent surgery. Like Bobb, he’s now back in partial training but was unavailable for the final. Guardiola may give him limited minutes against Fulham, but the risk factor remains high with Champions League qualification still in the balance.
🧠 What Next for Guardiola?
With crucial points still to play for, Pep Guardiola faces a balancing act – securing Champions League football without rushing back key players prematurely. The return of Rodri, Bobb, and Ake could be timely boosts, but their involvement depends on how the next few days unfold.
If City lock in a top-five finish after their trip to Bournemouth, fans might see familiar faces back in action at Craven Cottage on the final day of the Premier League season.
