Abhay Singh
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola openly acknowledges that the unforeseen injury that might end midfielder Rodri’s season is truly a significant blow to the club’s goals for this season.
Guardiola expressed his deep concern over the impact of losing such a key player, emphasizing the challenge it poses to the team’s strategies and tactics moving forward.
The void left by Rodri’s absence raises uncertainties about City’s ability to maintain their momentum and compete at the highest level.
“One doctor says big, big injury”
In the 21st minute of City’s dramatic 2-2 Premier League home tie with Arsenal over the weekend, the Euro 2024 winner struck. It appears that Rodri hurt his right knee after he collided with Thomas Partey, his opponent for the Gunners, during a corner contest.
Guardiola addressed Rodri’s injury during Tuesday’s 2-1 EFL Cup victory at home against Watford.
“Still we don’t have the definitive (diagnosis), but he will be out for a long time – a while. But there are some opinions that maybe it will be less than we expected. One doctor says big, big injury, one not as much.” He said.
He also added “We are waiting for the last phone calls from him and the doctors for what definitely he has and the type of surgery he has to get. We expect that tonight, tomorrow we will know exactly.”
In order to lessen Rodri’s absence, Guardiola has stated that he must rearrange his roster.
He stated “When you are without the best midfielder in the world for a long time, it is a big blow. But my duty is to find a solution. When a player is irreplaceable, we have to do it as a team, as we did when De Bruyne was out”.
Rodri has been a key player
Since joining Manchester City in the summer of 2019 after leaving Atletico Madrid, Rodri has been an important member of the team. The 28-year-old has made 260 appearances in various competitions, contributing 26 goals and 30 assists.
The Spaniard, who finished 56 appearances in all competitions with four goals and seven assists, was a key player in the Cityzens’ 2022–2023 continental treble. Rodri played in 50 games last season, contributing nine goals and fourteen assists, helping City win an unparalleled Premier League four-peat.
Rodri played in just three games this season before sustaining a potentially season-ending hamstring injury this summer, which he sustained during his participation in Euro 2024.
City has lost just 11% of games with Rodri, compared to 24% without him, which indicates how important he is to the team.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings