Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to be sidelined for an extended period due to a knee injury, according to manager Pep Guardiola. The exact severity of the injury is still uncertain, as the club awaits confirmation from doctors, but Guardiola indicated it could be a lengthy absence.
“Still we don’t have the definitive [diagnosis] but he will be out for a long time – a while,” Guardiola said after City’s League Cup victory over Watford. “But there are some opinions that maybe it will be less than we expected.”
Rodri sustained the injury during Manchester City’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Arsenal on Sunday, when he twisted his right knee after colliding with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey during a corner. He was substituted in the 21st minute of the match.
Initial tests were conducted in Spain on Monday, but further assessments are required to determine the full extent of the damage. Guardiola stated, “We are waiting for the last phone calls from him and the doctors for what definitely he has and the type of surgery he has to get. We expect that tonight, tomorrow we will know exactly.”
Guardiola revealed that opinions from medical staff have varied, with one doctor suggesting it may be a “big, big injury” while another doctor’s assessment is less severe. The club expects to know more by Wednesday.
Rodri, who was named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 after helping Spain win the title, has been an instrumental figure for Manchester City. He was key in their Premier League triumph last season, contributing to City’s fourth consecutive league title. His absence will be felt, as the club has only lost 11% of the matches he has played in since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019, compared to 24% without him.
Guardiola acknowledged the challenge of replacing Rodri, describing him as “irreplaceable.” He said, “When a team doesn’t play with the best midfielder in the world for a long, long time, it is a big blow. Yes, he’s irreplaceable. But I will find a solution. There is an alternative, we will do it.”
The 28-year-old midfielder has had a highly successful season with Manchester City and Spain, appearing 63 times for club and country in the previous campaign. In addition to his domestic success, he helped City win the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. Rodri recently voiced his concerns about the growing number of matches, warning that players were “close to” striking due to the congested football calendar.
Rodri had just returned to action two weeks ago after missing the start of this season with a hamstring injury, and now faces another extended period on the sidelines. Further updates on the extent of his injury and the required recovery time are expected soon.
