City travel to the City Ground on Saturday following a short pre-Christmas break. Guardiola and his players returned to the City Football Academy on Christmas Day and have trained since, with attention focused on the condition of their key midfielder.

Rodri has not featured since a brief substitute appearance in early November. The Spain international had been working his way back from a hamstring problem after a lengthy absence caused by a knee injury. Guardiola has said the 29-year-old is close to being ready again.

"Rodri is much, much better," Guardiola said in a pre-match interview. "Available or not, we'll decide today."

City have missed Rodri's control and experience in midfield during his absence, and his possible return would be a significant boost as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast over the festive period.

Guardiola also provided updates on two other players who have been unavailable in recent weeks.

"Doku and John still aren't there but soon they'll be back," he said, referring to Jeremy Doku and John Stones.

Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are unavailable as they are representing their nations in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nottingham Forest go into the match sitting 17th in the Premier League table with 18 points from 17 games, five points clear of the relegation zone. Despite their position, Guardiola has warned his side to expect a tough afternoon.

City were beaten 1-0 at the City Ground on their last visit in March, and Guardiola has said Forest remain a dangerous opponent, particularly at home under head coach Sean Dyche.

"Last season especially with Nuno, they made an incredible job there and even before it's always been a tough place to go," Guardiola said. "For the crowd and especially for the quality they have.

"They're a team who have invested a lot in the last years after being promoted to the Premier League. They're a really, really good side."

With City chasing consistency and Forest fighting for points, Guardiola knows his players will need to be fully focused, whether Rodri is ready to return or not.

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