(Football news) The Spain international limped off injured in the 21st minute of the Citizens’ 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal the Etihad Stadium on Sunday after jarring his knee following an innocuous coming-together with Thomas Partey at a corner.
Multiple reports emerged on Monday claiming that Rodri is set to miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee after undergoing initial tests in Manchester.
The 28-year-old has since travelled to Barcelona where he has ‘seeked specialist consultation’, and although a full prognosis is not yet available, Man City have issued an update on his situation.
A statement released on their official website read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.
“The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.
“The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester.
“Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.
“Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation.”
How will Manchester City cope without Rodri?
Man City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday night after their EFL Cup third-round win over Watford that Rodri requires surgery and will be out for “a long, long time”.
The news of Rodri’s injury “could be a season-changing blow” for Guardiola’s side. Manchester City have not lost any of their last 52 Premier League games in which Rodri has featured; only ex-Arsenal defender Sol Campbell (56) has ever enjoyed a longer unbeaten run in the division’s history.
Rodri has made a total of 260 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions since joining in 2019 and has won 11 trophies, including four consecutive Premier League titles and one Champions League.
Guardiola has labelled Rodri as “the best holding midfielder in the world” as well as ‘a potential Ballon d’Or winner’ at next month’s ceremony.
The absence of Manchester City’s No.16 is set to see Guardiola turn to the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis, John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne to operate in a deeper midfield role.
Manchester City will travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime before facing Slovan Bratislava (in the Champions League) and Fulham in their remaining two fixtures before the next international break.
Also read: Manchester United will play FC Twente in the UEFA Europa League
