Rodri Suffers Knee Ligament Injury in Arsenal Clash, Set for Extended Absence

Manchester City have confirmed that key midfielder Rodri suffered a knee ligament injury during their Premier League match against Arsenal. The 28-year-old Spaniard was forced off in the 21st minute after a collision with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, raising concerns about his long-term availability. While City have yet to provide a definitive recovery timeline, manager Pep Guardiola has indicated that Rodri could be sidelined for a significant period.

Guardiola, speaking after City’s Carabao Cup win over Watford, admitted that Rodri’s absence will be a major blow: “He will be out for a long time – a while,” said Guardiola. “But there are some opinions that maybe it will be less than we expected.” Rodri has flown to Spain to consult a specialist after undergoing initial tests in Manchester, and City await final confirmation on whether surgery will be required.

Rodri’s influence on City’s success cannot be overstated. The midfielder has been instrumental in the team’s dominance, with City unbeaten in their last 48 Premier League matches in which he has started. His importance was further highlighted when City lost four of the five games he missed last season. In addition to his club form, Rodri was named player of the tournament during Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign.

The injury comes at a crucial time, as Rodri was being tipped as one of the favourites for the Ballon d’Or, with his consistent performances making him a standout player in world football. He was also vocal recently about player fatigue and the overcrowded fixture list, having appeared 63 times for both club and country last season.

With Rodri’s absence, Guardiola faces a tough decision on how to fill the void. While Kalvin Phillips would typically be the backup for the defensive midfield position, he is currently on loan at Ipswich Town and cannot be recalled until January. Mateo Kovacic could potentially step in, while versatile players such as John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva have also been used in deeper roles at various points. Additionally, 19-year-old Rico Lewis may get a chance, with Guardiola praising his flexibility in playing across multiple positions.

City will now look to adjust their strategy and maintain their push in the Premier League without their irreplaceable midfield anchor.