Why did Rodri miss Arsenal vs Man City FA Community Shield 2026 Final?
(Courtesy : Getty)
Only one of the last five meetings between these clubs have ended in a draw!
The English Premier League champions, Arsenal FC, locked horns with the FA Cup winners, Manchester City, for the FA Community Shield 2026 final. The high-stakes clash took place at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales.
The Gunners almost had a perfect season last time around. They secured the English top-division title after more than 20 years and reached the UEFA Champions League final. The Mikel Arteta-led side missed out on winning the UCL title after losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the final. Arsenal have a chance to secure multiple trophies in the upcoming season.
On the other hand, Manchester City secured the domestic double after winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup titles under Pep Guardiola. They have now seen a managerial change with Enzo Maresca taking over as the new head coach. The Cityzens have added some new stars to strengthen their squad for the 2026-27 campaign and it will be interesting to see their performances under a new manager.
Also Read: Who is Heaven Kilwa? Aston Villa wonderkid set to join Manchester City
Why did Rodri miss out?
Rodri was feeling discomfort in his back after an injury sustained during the recent World Cup campaign. He helped Spain secure the prestigious trophy and also secured the Golden Ball award because of his top-of-the-line performances.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has successfully undergone minor back surgery ahead of the 2026-27 season and is expected to miss some matches at the start of the season. Rodri was expected to join the Manchester City squad ahead of the FA Community Shield final against Arsenal, but a short period of rehabilitation is still required.
The 30-year-old is also set to join FC Barcelona in what can be one of the biggest transfers heading into the new season.
How many trophies did Arsenal win during 2025-26 season?
The Gunners went on to win the English Premier League title after more than 20 years.
How many trophies did Manchester City win during 2025-26 season?
They won the domestic double of the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
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Dilpreet is a dedicated football writer with a keen eye for World Football. As a proud Real Madrid fan, we believe his work reflects the same ambition and precision. Since joining Khel Now in 2025, he has crafted stories beyond scores, diving into tactics, culture, and emotion. With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers.