Manchester City midfielder Rodri will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious injury during Sunday’s draw against Arsenal, according to ESPN.
Tests conducted this morning confirmed that the Spain international sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee.
The injury is a significant blow for City, as Rodri has been a key figure in their midfield for the past few seasons.
An ACL tear typically requires several months of recovery, ruling him out of action for the foreseeable future.
Rodri left the pitch in the 21st minute of Sunday’s match after clutching his knee, marking his first start in the Premier League this season.
Manchester City secured a last-minute equalizer through John Stones to draw 2-2 against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
This result keeps Man City at the top of the table with 13 points from their first five games.
Since signing Rodri in 2019, Manchester City have achieved a 74% win rate and an 11% loss rate in matches he has played, compared to a 64% win rate and a 24% loss rate when he is absent.
Pep Guardiola suggested that the outcome might have been different had Rodri remained on the pitch, as defender Ruben Dias often filled the central midfielder role.
Dias recorded 136 touches during the match, many of which occurred near the edge of the Arsenal box, a tactical shift that may not have aligned with Guardiola’s initial game plan.
Mikel Arteta’s side demonstrated their defensive prowess last season, conceding just 29 goals in the Premier League, and they take pride in their solid backline.
After Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card just before half-time, Arsenal focused on defending their 2-1 lead with determination throughout the second half.
“The space is not there in the team, they equalise the team. Kova [Kovacic] and Ruben [Dias] are destined for the shot,” said Guardiola.
“With Rodri it may have been different or maybe I put Ruben on the right.
“That’s why I delayed the sub for Kyle [Walker], but Kyle has a really good shot and crosses.
“Grealish created space. Raya made two, three or four saves [and] the second ball was not with us. It’s difficult.
“Congratulations to Arsenal, to be so strong mentally to block, it’s not easy but at the same time we were not easy to do it.”
Over the next two weeks, Man City will play four matches: facing Newcastle and Fulham in the Premier League, Watford in the Carabao Cup, and Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
As a result, Pep Guardiola will need to utilize the majority of his squad.
The coach has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be returning soon, having missed the Arsenal match due to a thigh injury sustained against Inter.
Guardiola told reporters about De Bruyne’s recovery: “I don’t think it will be long.
“I cannot say how long for, I don’t know for Newcastle but it won’t be long.
“[He has] discomfort in his legs.”
Manchester City will kick off their Carabao Cup campaign on Tuesday as they take on Watford.
Following this match, the team will return to Premier League action against Newcastle.
Read more: Enzo Maresca says Chelsea are “far from Man City and Arsenal”
Manuel Akanji makes strong Manchester City claim after Arsenal stalemate
Erling Haaland tells Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to “stay humble”
One Comment