Manchester City star Rodri could be ‘out for the rest of the season’ after reports in Spain that the midfielder suffered a ‘torn cruciate ligament in his right knee’ during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
According to BRAND The City defender ‘suffered a cruciate ligament tear’ during Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium. They claim a ‘more definitive diagnosis’ will be available later on Monday, with the midfielder ‘experiencing tests in Spain’.
The Spanish midfielder went down with pain in his hand just 16 minutes into the Premier League match after appearing to injure his knee while attempting to get the ball from Arsenal’s Thomas Partey in his own penalty area.
The 28-year-old was left lying on the ground in pain but appeared to hold back tears as he limped off the pitch, accompanied by City’s medical staff.
MARCA claims that the Spaniard is ‘currently travelling to Madrid to undergo a new examination to confirm the serious injury. He also plans to visit different specialists to decide on the operation.’
Man City star Rodri could miss ‘rest of season’ after ‘cruciate ligament injury’
Rodri (centre) limped off the field during City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon
The defender’s absence could be a huge setback for Man City given his influence in the team
His absence is a huge loss for Man City, as Rodri’s influence in the team has helped City win their last four Premier League titles.
It was also his goal and man of the match performance in the 2022-23 Champions League final against Internazionale that helped the Cityzens win their first European Cup.
Concerns were raised over the fitness of their star player after the match, with Bernardo Silva telling reporters that the 2024 Euro winner was in a ‘bad state’.
“I don’t know, the truth is I don’t know,” Silva said when asked about Rodri’s condition. “He’s walking, I don’t know if there’s anything else, but so far we don’t know. I think we’ll know more tomorrow.
I don’t think so [he] left [on crutches]not now. But he left in bad shape, he wasn’t feeling well, he asked to be replaced. Let’s see what the doctors say.’
Mateo Kovacic was brought on to replace City’s lynchpin. And in Rodri’s absence, Arsenal would cancel out Erling Haaland’s opening goal, with Riccardo Califiori scoring the equaliser.
While Rodri’s absence may have had a big impact on the match, it could also be a key moment in the title race.
With the Spaniard in the team, Guardiola’s title machine has won 74 percent of its games and lost just 11 percent.
Without Rodri, City had a win percentage of 64 percent and lost 24 percent of their games.
It is somewhat astonishing that City lost only three league games last season when Rodri was absent through suspension.
It is somewhat improbable that City lost only three league games last season when Rodri was absent through suspension.
Bernardo Silva had stated that Rodri (pictured) left the Etihad Stadium on Sunday ‘in a bad way’
Many have praised Rodri for his brilliance and influence in leading City to their last four league titles
In May, City suffered an FA Cup final defeat to rivals Manchester United. But it was the first time since February 2023 that Rodri has lost a match while playing for City.
The defender went 74 games unbeaten for Guardiola’s side, the most of any player in Europe, surpassing the record held by Paolo Maldini and Demetrio Albertini at AC Milan.
After the match, a concerned Guardiola was unable to provide an update on Rodri’s fitness
“I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to the doctor,” Guardiola said of Rodri’s injury.[But] Rodri is strong.
‘He leaves the field during this action because he felt something, otherwise Rodri would stay there.’
Guardiola also confirmed that he is convinced that Rodri is the best defensive midfielder in the world.
“He is the best holding midfielder in the world. He is a potential Ballon d’Or winner. I would love to see him win,” the City manager added.
Rodri’s injury comes after the midfielder raised concerns about the increasing number of matches footballers are being forced to play.
He warned that some players are on the verge of striking due to the crowded schedule.
I think we are close to that [striking]’, said Rodri. ‘It’s easy to understand [why]. Ask any player and they would say the same thing. If it continues like this, there will come a point where we have no other option. It is something that worries us.
“I think it’s too much. Somebody has to take care of us, because we are the main characters of this sport, or business, or whatever you want to call it. It’s not all about money or marketing, it’s also about the quality of the show.”
More to come…