Why isn’t Rodri playing for Spain against Albania in Euro 2024?

The Manchester City midfielder played a crucial role in Group B wins over Croatia and Italy but won’t be involved in Düsseldorf on Monday.

Spain have been one of the most impressive teams in the early stages of Euro 2024, sealing top spot in Group B with a game to spare after victories over Croatia and Italy. They will expect to continue their perfect start to the tournament against Albania in Düsseldorf on Monday, but will have to make do without the services of Manchester City star Rodri.

Rodri suspended for Albania after two yellow cards

The 28-year-old played a typically crucial role as the Spaniards swept Luka Modric and Co aside in their opening match in Berlin before seeing off the Italians in Gelsenkirchen, the 1-0 scoreline flattering their opponents. However, Rodri was shown yellow cards in both matches, incurring a one-match suspension which stopped him from being named either on the starting lineup or on the bench against Albania.

What are the yellow card suspension rules in Euro 2024?

Any player who is shown two yellow cards up to and including the quarter-finals much serve an immediate one-match suspension. That means players who are booked in the opening two group games will miss the third one, while receiving a second caution in the quarter-finals will result in the offender being banned for the semi-finals.

Rodri, Portugal’s Rafael Leão, Belgium’s Dodi Lukebakio and Turkey’s Abdülkerim Bardakci were all booked in their country’s opening two fixtures and are banned for matchday three of the group stage, while Germany’s Jonathan Tah and Switzerland’s Silvan Widmer won’t be able to play in the round of 16.

UEFA have ordered referees to clamp down on players approaching them and showing dissent at Euro 2024, with team captains the only players allowed to communite with officials, according to the new guidelines. Rodri’s second yellow card of the tournament against Italy, which incurred his suspension, was precisely for this reason.

With Spain already safely through to the round of 16 as group winners, the City midfielder will no doubt be back in the starting lineup for their first knockout tie, which will see them face as as yet undecided third-placed team.