Rodri spotted in Barcelona for the first time since sustaining ‘serious knee injury’ against Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been spotted in Barcelona on Monday evening – his first appearance since sustaining a ‘serious knee injury’ against Arsenal.

The 28-year-old went down at the Etihad Stadium in Sunday’s Premier League clash clutching his right knee in visible discomfort, and was subsequently forced out of the contest, replaced by Mateo Kovacic.

The Spain international appeared to stumble and fall after making a front-post run at an attacking Manchester City corner while being marked and observed by Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey.

Having been checked on by a number of his Manchester City team-mates, Rodri almost immediately signalled for medical attention, and to be substituted, leaving the field of play without the need for a stretcher but accompanied by two members of club medical staff.

Now, for the first time since leaving the pitch against Arsenal in the 21st minute of Sunday afternoon’s mammoth clash against Mikel Arteta’s side, Rodri has been spotted arriving in Barcelona ahead of further examination on a ‘serious knee injury’.

In video footage captured by El Chiringuito’s Marc Núñez, Rodri was seen at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport and notably walking through the terminal building and into a black Mercedes without the need for assistance via crutches.

According to a report from The Athletic’s ever-reliable David Ornstein and Pol Ballus, initial tests in England revealed that Manchester City’s mainstay defensive midfielder has sustained a ‘serious knee injury’.

With further examinations set to take place in Spain this week, there remains no official timeline for the player’s recovery, however The Athletic quotes ‘sources close to the player’ who suggest he may be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

Only last week, Rodri became the firs player to suggest that global footballers could be forced to consider strike action to prove a point over the ever increasing schedule within the game.

“I think we are close to that,” Rodri responded when quizzed on the possibility of strike action. “I think if you ask any player he will say the same. It is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever. I think it’s the general opinion of the players.”

He continued, “And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think, but let’s see. I don’t know what’s going to happen but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.”

Manchester City are currently top of the Premier League table with four wins and one draw taken from their opening five matches, and have also won their first piece of silverware with success in the FA Community Shield over Manchester United.

City return to action for the first time since their draw with Arsenal on Sunday just 49 hours later, with a meeting against Watford in the Carabao Cup third round scheduled for Tuesday night.