Manchester City were dealt an FA Cup final blow when veteran midfielder and Ballon d'Or winner Rodri was omitted from the squad for fitness reasons. Having travelled to London with his team-mates and returned to training towards the end of April, Rodri was not included in the travelling group for the final.
City lost 1-0 at Wembley to Crystal Palace in a second successive FA Cup final loss. Eberechi Eze's first-half goal was the difference, and City's aspirations for silverware were shattered, their first season without a trophy since 2016-17.
Boss Pep Guardiola is left to look back and ask himself what could have been if Rodri had been available. But focus now must shift quickly to the Premier League, where make-or-break away matches at Bournemouth and Fulham will determine whether City finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League.
There is some good news, though. Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake are again doing partial training and may be in the frame for the final game of the season. Whether Guardiola wants to risk them playing remains to be seen.
Latest Injury News
Rodri
Spanish defender Alvaro was back in training in April, having recovered from a torn ACL halfway through the campaign. Rodri was initially expected to miss the entire campaign, but he progressed well and was not match-fit for the FA Cup final. Guardiola can provide him with a cameo appearance in City's remaining fixtures, particularly on the final day.
Potential return: Sunday, May 25 vs Fulham (A)
John Stones
Stones picked up a thigh injury during the Champions League game against Real Madrid in February. Surgery was not required, but the 30-year-old has been missing action, with no recent news put out. A return before the end of the season appears unlikely.
Possible return: Unknown
Oscar Bobb
Bobb returns from part-team training after a hamstring injury picked up in late April. This was within days of returning from a broken leg earlier in the campaign, as part of a disappointing spell for the young winger. He was unavailable for the Southampton match but could make an appearance later in the season.
Possible comeback:
Sunday, May 25 Fulham (A)
Nathan Ake
Ake suffered a broken foot against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup in March and was operated on. He, along with Bobb, has resumed partial training. While he missed both the Southampton match and the FA Cup final, he could play for the final match if he is fit.
Potential return: Sunday, May 25 at Fulham
Stay tuned for further updates as Guardiola assesses his players before City's final attempt at European qualification.
