Manchester City face a major setback as star midfielder Rodri is reportedly out for a significant portion of the season due to a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
Rodri was forced off during City’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal after suffering a knee injury. The trouble began early in the game when he was floored by Kai Havertz’s shoulder in the opening seconds, keeping him down for two minutes. Though City initially took the lead through Erling Haaland, Rodri went down again following a challenge by Arsenal’s Thomas Partey during a corner. Unable to continue, he was substituted by Mateo Kovacic.
The match was Rodri’s first start of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury, but now City are facing the prospect of losing one of their most influential players for an extended period. Rodri’s absence could severely impact their chances of securing silverware this season.
What happened?
Rodri appeared to twist his knee after an innocuous collision with Partey. Following treatment on the pitch, he was unable to continue and limped down the tunnel.
Guardiola’s reaction
Pep Guardiola admitted he wouldn’t have substituted Rodri unless the player had signaled something was wrong. “I don’t know, I didn’t speak to the doctor,” Guardiola said after the game. “[But] Rodri is strong. He left the pitch because he felt something; otherwise, he stays. He’s the best holding midfielder in the world, a potential Ballon d’Or winner. I would love for him to win.”
Guardiola acknowledged the challenge Arsenal posed in the intense game, saying, “These games with Arsenal are like that, and we have to handle it. We did it and did many good things.”
Latest update
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Rodri’s injury is “serious,” with sources suggesting he could be sidelined for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Further tests are still needed to confirm the extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, ESPN reports that Rodri is set to miss the rest of the season after tests confirmed an ACL tear in his right knee. He is expected to undergo more tests before likely heading to Barcelona for surgery.
