Last week, Rodri sounded the alarm in a press conference ahead of the Champions League match against Inter. The Spaniard took advantage of the microphones to raise the possibility of going on strike while the players are subjected to a hellish pace. “You can’t play 60 or 70 games. Between 40 and 50 games, a player can play at the top. Then, you decline, because it is not possible to maintain your physical level. We have to take care of ourselves, we are the main characters of this sport, or this business, whatever you call it.” Words that resonate differently today. Indeed, the midfielder went off injured in the 21st minute of play on Sunday during the Premier League clash against Arsenal (2-2).
In the process, the Spanish media, like Brand and of AShave reported that the Roja midfield boss is suffering from a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee. The news has not yet been officially confirmed by the Skyblues, but everyone has little hope for the 28-year-old, who could miss several months of competition. In such cases, footballers are usually out for at least nine months. While we wait to find out more about the exact length of his absence, the loss of Rodri is a terrible blow to the head of the residents of the Etihad Stadium. Arriving from Atlético de Madrid in 2019, the Madrid native has quickly established himself as a key part of Pep Guardiola’s team.
An essential marathon runner
In his first year in Manchester, he played 52 games in all competitions, including 43 as a starter (4 goals, 2 assists). The following season, in 2020-21, he was selected 53 times (46 starts, 2 goals, 5 assists). Then, he followed up in 2021-22 with 46 appearances (45 starts, 7 goals, 2 assists) and in 2022-23 with 56 games played (52 starts, 4 goals, 7 assists). The previous season, the Spaniard finished the year with a record of 46 appearances, all as a starter. He also scored 9 goals and provided 12 assists. A true leader, the man who participated in the conquest of the Mancunians’ numerous titles started this new year with the same status despite a small physical problem.
Used 3 times by Guardiola, he started 2 matches. But he unfortunately got injured on Sunday. And without him, City can worry. The Daily Mail explains that last year, the English were only beaten 5 times in all competitions. Rodri was absent for the 3 defeats in the Premier League and for the lost match in the Carabao Cup. He was, however, present for the final lost against Manchester United in the FA Cup last May. This put an end to a run of 74 matches without defeat for the midfielder, a record for a player in the history of European football. The British publication recalls that since his arrival, his club has won 74% of the matches in which he has participated (15% draws and 11% defeats).
The Kovacic option, the most natural
THE Daily Mail adds that without Rodri, City have dropped 23 points in 21 league games. These figures do not tell the whole story, but they do reflect the player’s vital importance. A player who has not often been hampered by injuries. Since arriving in Manchester, he has been stopped three times. The first time in 2019-20 due to a muscle injury (18 days out, 5 matches missed). Then, he was stopped due to a knock (1 day out). Then, he joined the infirmary this summer due to a hamstring injury (42 days out, 3 matches missed). This time, the player, who will undergo further tests in Madrid, will be missed by his team for much longer.
Pep Guardiola will therefore have to find solutions to replace his handyman. On Sunday, the Spanish technician replaced him with Mateo Kovačić. The Manchester Evening News and the Daily Mail explains that the Croatian is the most logical option to replace the leader Rodri if City sticks to 4-3-3. The other solution is to use Matheus Nunes. An opinion shared by Salim Baungally, a journalist specializing in English football. “There are two solutions. In the match against Arsenal, Kovacic replaced him. It’s the slightly more natural option. He has experience, even if we can wonder if he can play in this position that Guardiola likes with Rodri.”
Matheus Nunes and Gündogan are also solutions
He continues: “The other option could be Matheus Nunes, who was bought for a lot of money. He never really had a chance. At Wolverhampton, he was amazing. He could be, in my opinion, almost more of a solution than Kovacic. Physically, he is closer to Rodri, but I think it is a question of confidence. He never really had confidence. Would he be ready to take the leadership in midfield? That is another story.” THE MEN also adds the name of İlkay Gündoğan. The German would evolve in a more defensive role. In any case, the player used will have a lot to do to make “forget” the indispensable Rodri as Salim Baungally explains to us.
“It’s a problem for Pep Guardiola, because he’s an important regulator. A player who is calm when he needs to be and who has an eye on the tempo that is frightening. The fact that he is injured is a key loss for Guardiola and for Manchester City. He is still among the players whose name potentially comes up for the Ballon d’Or, that means what it means. Seeing him injured like that, especially over such a long period, it’s strange that it comes a few days after the player’s comments about the fact that the matches are multiplying and that an injury could happen.” Unfortunately, Rodrigo, who has been supported by the football world, will miss several months of competition. Pep Guardiola will have to be creative again to replace a key player, he who had to do without Kevin De Bruyne for a good part of the previous season. Which did not prevent his team from being crowned in the Premier League.
