The midfielder has been plagued by niggling injuries since recovering from knee surgery.
Ahead of today's derby at Manchester United, Guardiola said: “The composure and quality we don’t have (when he is absent) – something that not many teams have.
“The reason why he is not playing 90 minutes is to protect him.
“Against Chelsea was so demanding and he didn’t feel well to play again immediately.
“We are trying to handle his minutes, but he’s getting better.”
Asked if Rodri could play a full 90 against Manchester United, Guardiola said: “Soon. The problem isn’t he can do 90 minutes, but when he can play 90 minutes.
“If he plays 90 minutes tomorrow we will see if he will be able to play in Norway in that important game.
“With time he’ll be back, without setbacks. He has something natural in his body, and it is always there.”