Rodri Set For Extended Spell On The Sidelines As Manchester City Await Injury Diagnosis.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that the club may be without influential midfielder Rodri for an extended period due to a knee injury. The Spanish international was forced off in the 21st minute of City’s recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal after an awkward collision with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey during a corner.
Speaking after City’s League Cup victory over Watford, Guardiola provided an update on Rodri’s condition, explaining that the club is still waiting for confirmation from medical professionals. “Still we don’t have the definitive diagnosis, but he will be out for a long time – a while,” Guardiola said. “But there are some opinions that maybe it will be less than we expected.”
Rodri travelled to Spain on Monday for initial assessments, but further tests are needed to determine the full extent of the damage to his right knee. Guardiola stated that an exact diagnosis and potential surgery plans are expected by Wednesday.
“One doctor says big, big injury, one not as much,” Guardiola remarked to the BBC. “We are waiting for the last phone calls from him and the doctors for what exactly he has and the type of surgery he has to get.”
Rodri’s absence will be a significant blow to Manchester City’s ambitions this season. The 28-year-old, who was named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 after helping Spain lift the trophy, played a pivotal role in City’s Premier League triumph last season. His contributions also extended to City’s victories in the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2019, Rodri has been a key figure in Guardiola’s side. In fact, statistics show that City have lost just 11% of the matches in which Rodri has featured, compared with 24% without him.
“When a team doesn’t play with the best midfielder in the world for a long, long time, it is a big blow,” said Guardiola. “Yes, he’s irreplaceable. But I will find a solution. There is an alternative, we will do it.”
Rodri’s injury comes at a time when the player himself has voiced concerns over the increasing number of matches in the football calendar. Just two weeks ago, he returned from a hamstring injury sustained earlier this season, and recently spoke out about the strain players are under due to the expanding fixtures list, including the new Champions League format and the expansion of the Club World Cup to 32 teams.
As City await the final diagnosis, Guardiola remains determined to adapt. However, the potential long-term absence of Rodri will undoubtedly affect the club’s trophy aspirations this season.
