Manchester City’s Rodri (X)
Early tests indicate that the 28-year-old might have torn his cruciate ligament—a devastating blow for both him and City fans.
Manchester City’s injury woes persist as latest reports state that midfielder Rodri could possibly be ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury against Arsenal last night in the Premier League.
Just seconds into the high-intensity fixture that ended 2-2, Rodri was forced off after just 16 minutes in Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Arsenal, jarring his right knee inside his own box.
The Spain international fought back tears as he limped off the pitch with Mateo Kovacic brought onto replace him.
Reports from Spain suggest the injury is worse than initially thought. Early tests indicate that the 28-year-old might have torn his cruciate ligament—a devastating blow for both him and City fans.
As City’s anchor in the defensive midfield, aspirited leader in his own right, and a potential contender for the upcoming Ballon D’Or, Rodri’s absence will most definitely leave a lasting mark, or rather an absence in the middle of their field.
City boss Pep Guardiola expressed belief in his midfield general and his ability to bounce back.
‘Rodri is a strong man,’ Guardiola said after the 2-2 draw with the Gunners.
‘He left the pitch in this action because he felt something. Otherwise, Rodri stays there. Rodri is a vocal guy, has presence… He’s the best holding midfielder in the world, a potential Ballon d’Or winner, I would love it. He’s important. But it’s happened.’
Guardiola also provided an update on the status of talisman midfield maeastro, Kevin De Bruyne, who also incurred an injury in City’s mid-week UEFA Champions League encounter against Inter Milan.
“I don’t think it will be long,” Guardiola said of De Bruyne’s expected return after City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
“I cannot say how long for, I don’t know for Newcastle but it won’t be long. (He has) discomfort in his legs.”
De Bruyne was out for four months with a hamstring injury last season but made a memorable comeback at St James’ Park with a goal in a 3-2 win over Newcastle in January.
City top the standings with 13 points after five games.
