Man City Midfielder Facing Extended Absence as Guardiola Prepares for Challenges | OneFootball

Rodri Set for Lengthy Spell on Sidelines, Guardiola Confirms

Manchester City are bracing themselves for a prolonged period without their star midfielder Rodri, who faces an extended absence following a knee injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal. City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking after his team’s League Cup triumph over Watford, provided updates on the Spanish international’s situation but stressed that further clarity on the extent of the damage was still forthcoming.

Waiting Game for Rodri’s Diagnosis

“Still we don’t have the definitive [diagnosis] but he will be out for a long time – a while,” Guardiola said. While City fans hold their breath for more concrete news, Guardiola suggested there is some cautious optimism that the injury might not be as severe as initially feared. “But there are some opinions that maybe it will be less than we expected.”

Rodri, a pivotal figure in both Manchester City’s midfield and the Spanish national team, was forced off the pitch in the 21st minute after appearing to twist his knee during a collision with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey at a corner. Following the match, Rodri travelled to Spain for a series of tests, but further medical assessments are required before determining the full nature of his injury.

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“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,” Guardiola added, indicating that news on the midfielder’s condition could arrive imminently. “We expect that tonight, tomorrow we will know exactly.”

Rodri’s Impact on Manchester City

Rodri’s absence comes at a crucial time for Manchester City as they continue to push for another Premier League title. The 28-year-old has been instrumental in their recent success, helping the club secure their fourth consecutive league title last season, in addition to lifting the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

Named player of the tournament at Euro 2024, Rodri’s importance to both City and Spain is undeniable. He has missed just one match for club or country in the past 18 months, underlining his consistency and durability. Guardiola himself acknowledged the magnitude of the loss, calling Rodri “irreplaceable,” but remains determined to find a way forward.

“When a team doesn’t play with the best midfielder in the world for a long, long time, it is a big blow,” Guardiola said. “Yes, he’s irreplaceable. But I will find a solution. There is an alternative, we will do it. When you have one player who is irreplaceable, as a team we have to find a solution.”

Manchester City’s Record with and Without Rodri

Since joining Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, Rodri has transformed into the heartbeat of Guardiola’s midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo, break up opposition attacks, and transition into forward play has been unmatched. City’s performances with and without Rodri reflect his significance – the club has lost just 11% of the matches in which Rodri has featured, compared to 24% without him.

This latest injury blow comes after a busy 2023/24 season, during which Rodri played 63 matches for both club and country, and after returning from a hamstring injury earlier this campaign, the midfielder had only just regained full fitness. His potential absence is bound to test City’s squad depth as they navigate the rigorous demands of domestic and European competition.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s recovery timeline, Guardiola’s track record suggests City will find a way to adapt, but the challenge of replacing their “irreplaceable” midfielder will be no small feat.