The Spaniard limped out of Sunday’s Premier League draw with Arsenal and has since been undergoing tests to determine the extent of his injury.
Speaking to the media after Tuesday night’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Watford, Guardiola was asked if he had an update on his talismanic midfielder.
“Still we don’t have the definite,” he began.
“Will be out for a long time, a while. But there are some opinions that it may be less than we expect.
“Right now I can’t tell you. We’re waiting on the last phone calls from the doctors. What he has and what type of surgery he has to get.
“I expect [we will find out] tomorrow. Tonight, tomorrow we will know it. The Club will inform.
“He’s feeling okay, strong. He’s just waiting.”
Guardiola was keen to stress that no matter the length of Rodrigo’s absence, he has faith his squad can still compete for silverware without the outstanding holding midfielder in world football.
“We don’t want it but we will have a good season” he stated.
“I trust my players. I need to find a solution. Rodri is irreplaceable. Of course it’s a big blow for us. In football it happens.
“My duty is to find a solution to be competitive and continue to be there. A problem for our opponents.
“I will find a solution. We will do it.”
Rodrigo has been at the heart of all of Guardiola’s successes in recent seasons, playing at least 50 games in four of his five complete campaigns.
City’s haul of 11 major honours in that time has cemented the 28-year-old as one of the best players in the world.
However, Guardiola will not allow his players to feel sorry for themselves while we wait for the No.16’s return.
“I feel so sorry for Rodri and for Oscar Bobb too but what are we going to do? Guys we are with you and you have the best medical department,” he said.
“Three months without Erling [Haaland] and five without Kevin [De Bruyne] we won the Premier League in spite of many things.”
“You have to go for it. This is the challenge. It’s nice. Always happens. What you have to do. I’m sorry it’s a pity. Let’s go.
“Go to Newcastle to try to win the game. It is what it is. Me as manager can reflect what we can do better.”
