### Is It All About Rodri? Analyzing Manchester City’s Recent Struggles Manchester City has faced a challenging period, suffering three consecutive defeats, and while injuries play a significant role, some unexpected tactical decisions have also contributed to their slump. The absence of Kyle Walker due to a knee injury has been particularly detrimental. Without his pace to counteract opposing attacks, City’s high defensive line has become vulnerable. Even when Walker is on the pitch, teams have found ways to exploit this defensive strategy. His absence was felt acutely during the match against Sporting, where he remained an unused substitute alongside Nathan Aké. With John Stones and Rúben Dias also unavailable for the trip, City’s defensive frailties have been laid bare. In a surprising turn, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey made his full debut at just 19 years old, highlighting the lack of experienced options in the squad. The combination of injuries and tactical missteps has left Guardiola’s side struggling to maintain their usual dominance on the pitch.

Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City players may need to push through pain due to a growing injury crisis within the squad. With nine first-team players potentially sidelined for the upcoming match against Bournemouth, the situation is becoming increasingly challenging. Key players such as Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Kevin De Bruyne are dealing with long-term injuries, while Jack Grealish, Jérémy Doku, and Kyle Walker are unlikely to return before the international break. Additionally, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, and Manuel Akanji are also doubts for the trip to Bournemouth on Saturday. Guardiola emphasized the need for fit players to step up and play through discomfort, stating, "Sometimes if you have problems, you have to play." The manager's comments highlight the difficult circumstances facing the team as they navigate this injury crisis.