Manchester City are anxiously awaiting news on the extent of Rodri’s injury after the influential midfielder was forced off early in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal. The 28-year-old Spaniard, who was crucial to City’s success last season, appeared to injure his right knee during a tussle with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey in the 20th minute. This sudden injury has cast a shadow over City’s upcoming fixtures, with the worst-case scenario being a long-term knee ligament issue.
What Happened?
Rodri twisted his knee while battling for position during a corner, falling awkwardly to the ground. The incident occurred just minutes after an earlier collision with Arsenal’s Kai Havertz. After going down, Rodri clutched his knee and signaled for assistance before being substituted.
Possible Timeline for Recovery
At this point, the nature and severity of Rodri’s injury remain unclear. If it turns out to be a serious knee ligament injury, such as an ACL tear, it could potentially rule him out for several months. Reports from Spain indicate that initial tests suggest an ACL injury, although further assessments will determine the full extent of the damage.
Speaking after the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed concern, noting that Rodri would not have left the pitch in such an important game unless the injury was significant. “Rodri is strong, but if he leaves the pitch, he must have felt something serious,” Guardiola said.
What Does This Mean for City?
Rodri has been a key player for both Manchester City and Spain over the past 18 months, and his absence could severely impact City’s upcoming schedule. The midfielder missed the start of this season with a hamstring injury, and City lost important games when he was unavailable last season. His potential absence would be a significant blow as City prepares for tough Premier League fixtures against Newcastle and Liverpool, as well as critical Champions League matches.
Rodri’s Importance to City
Rodri’s value to Manchester City cannot be overstated. Since March 2023, he has only lost one game for club and country. His performance in the Euro 2024 tournament, where he helped Spain to victory and was named player of the tournament, further cemented his status as one of the best midfielders in the world. Pep Guardiola even called him a potential Ballon d’Or winner, adding to his already impressive résumé.
