Manchester City’s chances of recalling Kalvin Phillips from Ipswich loan revealed after Rodri injury | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have been left searching for alternative solutions in light of Rodri’s long-term absence following a serious knee injury sustained on Sunday.

The Spanish international was withdrawn after just 21 minutes in the eventual 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the weekend, having sustained what is reportedly damage to his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Attacking a Manchester City corner at the near post, marshalled by Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey, Rodri fell to the ground in clear discomfort, immediately signalling for urgent medical attention and a substitution from the contest.

Having been replaced by Mateo Kovacic for the remainder of the match, Rodri has since undergone examination on his right knee which is likely to rule him out for the remainder of Manchester City’s 2024/25 season.

As such, there are already conversations as to how Manchester City could look for the rest of the campaign, and what solutions Pep Guardiola could turn to in the absence of arguably their most crucial player.

One such name that has been tenuously discussed in some quarters is Kalvin Phillips, who has experienced a challenging time since joining the Etihad Stadium project from Leeds United in the summer of 2022.

However, according to the information of The Athletic’s Ali Rampling, the Premier League champions do not have a recall option included in the agreement with Ipswich Town that saw Phillips join the newly-promoted top-flight side on loan for the ongoing season.

City are more likely to turn to existing options for the remainder of the season, but there remains a slim chance that the club could reinvest in Rodri’s role during the notoriously challenging January transfer window.

Mateo Kovacic has performed to a high standard during the opening matches of the season, partaking in the opening four Premier League outings that Manchester City secured victories in prior to the score draw with Arsenal.

Defenders Rico Lewis and John Stones have also operated in the defensive midfield role alongside a teammate, inverting into the position when in possession from a starting right-back role.

Additionally, Pep Guardiola trialled Elite Development Squad captain and attacking midfield talent Nico O’Reilly in the defensive midfield position during the pre-season tour and most notably in the FA Community Shield against Manchester United back in August.