With or without Rodri, Manchester City is not really the same team anymore. Yesterday, the Daily Mail recalled the importance of the Spanish midfielder in the system put in place by Pep Guardiola. With figures to support it, the English media indicated that since his arrival, his club has won 74% of the matches in which he has participated (15% draws and 11% defeats). The Daily Mail added that City have also dropped 23 points from 21 league games without their key player. Inevitably, his injury-related exit on Sunday during the clash against Arsenal (2-2) has worried the Skyblues.
In the process, the first echoes coming from Spain were not reassuring. Several Iberian publications quickly mentioned a serious injury to the right knee with the affected cruciate ligament. After new tests carried out yesterday in his native country, the former Atlético de Madrid player was definitively informed of his fate. The residents of the Etihad Stadium announced the bad news this Wednesday via a press release published on their official website.
Hard blow for Rodri
“Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee. The injury was sustained in the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League. The midfielder travelled to Spain this week to see a specialist, following initial tests in Manchester. Assessment is ongoing to determine the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis. Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery and we will bring you regular updates on his rehabilitation.”
A terrible blow to the head of the British team, which will have to do without him for at least nine months. He is therefore out for practically the rest of the 2024-25 season. This could play a role in the race for the various titles, since the team is much better with Rodri on the pitch. However, Pep Guardiola has several options to replace him. He could call on Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes or Ilkay Gündogan, who would play in a more defensive role.
