Pep Guardiola insists Rodri's absence was not the primary reason for Manchester City slipping up in the title race, though he hopes to have the Spaniard back against Brentford.

Rodri missed Monday's trip to Everton with a groin injury, and without their star defensive midfielder, City were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw.

City had led 1-0 through Jeremy Doku's curler, but after Everton fought back to lead 3-1, they needed another stunner from the Belgian – which came after Erling Haaland got on the scoresheet – to salvage a point.

That result means Arsenal are now in sole control of the Premier League title race, as the Gunners know they will be champions if they win their final three matches.

City surely cannot afford to drop any more points, and ahead of Saturday's meeting with Brentford, Guardiola said a late decision will be made on Rodri's involvement. 

"We will see this afternoon," Guardiola said when pushed for an update on the midfielder.

Asked whether Rodri's absence was the main factor in City slipping up earlier this week, Guardiola added: "We have survived without him for many months. 

"It does not depend on him. We gave it away, but not because Rodri was not there.

"He still doesn't feel completely comfortable. When he will be ready, we will see this afternoon. Hopefully it will be tomorrow."

Nico Gonzalez replaced Rodri at the base of City's midfield at Hill Dickinson Stadium but only won two of the six duels he contested.

City have now dropped 17 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, their most in a single campaign since 2008-09 (20).

Twelve of those have come in 2026, the joint-most of any side this year, along with Newcastle United and Tottenham.

If they are to have any chance of taking the title race the distance, Doku will surely be key. The winger has created 50 chances from open play in the Premier League this term, the most by any player without any coming from set-pieces.

Asked what had provoked Doku's excellent run of form, Guardiola quipped: "The manager, always! When a player plays well it is because of the manager, when they play badly it is because of them!

"I am so glad that he is making a step and feeling that our wingers have to score and make an impact, not just go one against one. Jeremy has been amazing this season."

Reports in recent days have suggested City are close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Phil Foden, who has been one of the victims of Doku's strong performances, losing his place in the starting XI. 

Guardiola confirmed that deal was close to being completed, saying: "I asked my sporting director. He said they are close, and hopefully it is going to happen. It is not done yet."