Manchester City midfielder Rodri has admitted that he "needs a rest" and claims the Citizens are devising a plan to give him a well-earned break in the coming weeks.
After playing an integral role in helping Man City win a history treble last season, Rodri acknowledged in August 2023 that 'playing 60 games a season is not healthy'.
The Spain international remains a key cog in Pep Guardiola's machine and has made a total of 41 appearances across all competitions so far this season, starting in each of those games and playing the full 90 minutes on 31 occasions.
Only nine outfield players across Europe's top-five leagues have notched up more minutes that Rodri (3,498) in the 2023-24 campaign, with one of those being Man City teammate Phil Foden (3,560).
Rodri's latest outing was in the Citizens' thrilling 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
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Rodri played the full 90 minutes against Los Blancos, but he was previously withdrawn in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, matches that City went on to win 4-1 and 4-2 respectively.
The 27-year-old, who at times looked laboured and uncharacteristically made a few misplaced passes at the Bernabeu, has since admitted that Man City's hectic fixture schedule is taking its toll.
"Every one of us can do better, even myself, but we need to rest to be honest," Rodri told reporters after the match as quoted by the Independent.
"I do. I do need a rest. Let's see how we speak, how we live the situation. Sometimes it is what it is.
"I need to adjust. It (rest) is something we are planning, yes."
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When could Guardiola give Rodri "a rest"?
Rodri's availability for Man City has been essential as the Citizens have not lost any of their last 66 games that the Spaniard has played in over the last 14 months, while he is unbeaten in 88.7% of all appearances since joining the club in 2019.
Man City are still vying to win an unprecedented double-treble as they bid to retain each of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the final few weeks of the campaign.
Guardiola and co could have as many as 13 matches left to play if they advance all the way to the finals of both the FA Cup and Champions League.
The Citizens have seven Premier League fixtures remaining including Saturday's home encounter with Luton Town, a favourable-looking contest for City and one Rodri could be rested for with one eye on next Wednesday's second-leg tie with Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Three days after facing Los Blancos at the Etihad, Man City travel to Wembley to take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals, and Rodri would be expected to play in that showdown.
The Citizens then have a five-day break before travelling to Brighton & Hove Albion for a top-flight clash on April 25, three days before a trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest.
Oliver Thomas
