Rodri had to be replaced midway through the first half after appearing to twist his knee in contact with Thomas Partey. The injury put a damper on an otherwise satisfying afternoon for Guardiola, who saw his side snatch a point against their title rivals thanks to John Stones’ late equaliser.
Rodri’s importance to Manchester City is well known. The Citizens lost three of the four Premier League games the 28-year-old missed last season, and his qualities cannot be replaced by anyone else in Guardiola’s squad. The City boss will therefore be desperate that the injury is not as serious as initially feared, although Rodri’s head-shaking as he left the pitch does not bode well.
Guardiola worried
“I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to the doctor.”Guardiola said of the midfielder’s condition. “(But) Rodri is strong. He leaves the field on that play because he felt something, otherwise Rodri stays there. He is the best defensive midfielder in the world, he is a potential Ballon d’Or winner, I would love for him to win. »
Sunday’s heated encounter – which saw Leandro Trossard sent off in the first half and Erling Haaland midway through the game as the teams clashed late on – comes ahead of both clubs’ Carabao Cup fourth-round ties. City host Watford on Tuesday and Arsenal welcome Bolton to the Emirates Stadium a day later.
