MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City midfielder Rodri is getting the rest he was asking for.
Rodri was on the bench for City’s Premier League home game against relegation-threatened Luton on Saturday after saying this week that “I do need a rest” during the team’s grueling run of games.
City is in pursuit of a second consecutive treble as it tries to defend its titles in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
A win over Luton would put City two points ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool atop the Premier League standings, ahead of its rivals’ games on Sunday.
While City is heavily favored against Luton, resting Rodri is always a risk for manager Pep Guardiola.
The Spain midfielder has not lost any of his last 66 games for club and country in a run stretching back more than a year.
City’s three losses in the league this season — against Wolverhampton, Arsenal and Aston Villa — all came while Rodri was suspended. City’s loss at Newcastle in the third round of the English League also came when Rodri was banned.
City plays Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday after a 3-3 draw in Madrid earlier this week.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/Soccer
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
Texans WR Tank Dell shot in Florida, sustains minor wound, team says
10 spotted seals released into ocean off northeast China city
Body of climber recovered after 1,000
Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
Crew chief says Judge should have been called for interference on slide during Yankees' rally
Twins pound out 17 hits, claim their seventh straight win with an 11
German police arrest a Russian man in connection with the fatal stabbings of 2 Ukrainian men
Brewers starter Joe Ross leaves after first inning vs. Marlins with lower back strain
Chicago White Sox promote right