Rodri was forced off the field during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, with concerns that he may have suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the significant challenge posed by the potential loss of key midfielder Rodri, who could be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury. The Spanish player limped off during the match against Arsenal with a suspected ACL tear.
“Rodri will be out for a considerable period, possibly longer than anticipated. There is some hope that his absence might be shorter, but unfortunately, he was injured. We are currently awaiting the final updates from him and the medical team to determine the exact nature of the injury and the necessary surgery,” Guardiola said following City’s 2-1 victory over Watford in the League Cup on Tuesday.
Guardiola admitted that losing Rodri is a major setback, but he remains confident that his squad, which has won four consecutive Premier League titles, can stay competitive.
“We will have a successful season; I have great faith in my players. It’s my responsibility to find a solution,” Guardiola added.
“Rodri is irreplaceable. When you lose the best midfielder in the world for an extended period, it’s undoubtedly a significant blow, but it’s my duty to find a way to keep us competitive as we have been for many years.
“When a player is irreplaceable, you have to compensate as a team, and that’s what we will do.”
Rodri has been mentioned as a potential Ballon d’Or candidate this year, following his crucial contributions to City’s record fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024.
The former Atletico Madrid player has only suffered one defeat in his last 84 appearances for club and country.
