Pep Guardiola confirms Rodri needs surgery | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri is set to undergo surgery following an ACL injury sustained during City’s recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

The Spanish international, who has been described as “irreplaceable” by Guardiola, is expected to be out for a significant period, a development that could have a major impact on the Premier League title race.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Rodri of Manchester City reacts with an injury during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Rodri’s injury against Arsenal

Rodri suffered the injury midway through the first half, in what was an innocuous coming together with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey during a corner.

The City midfielder jarred his leg while jostling for position, and after several minutes on the ground in visible pain, he was forced off.

Guardiola confirms surgery and long-term absence

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Rodri of Manchester City leaves the pitch following an injury during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

In the days following the match, it was confirmed by Manchester City that Rodri would need surgery.

Pep Guardiola spoke to the media and described the Spaniard as “irreplaceable,” emphasising his significance to the team.

“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 said. He also admitted that Rodri’s absence would be a “big blow,” but assured fans that he would find a way to adapt.

Daily Telegraph, Wednesday 25 September 2024

“We don’t want it, but we will have a good season,” Guardiola continued.

“I expect a lot from my players and I have a duty to find a solution even if Rodri is irreplaceable. When a team doesn’t play with the best midfielder in the world for a long, long time, it is a big blow. But it’s football. It happens.

“And it is my duty to find a solution, be competitive as we have been for many, many years and be there, be a problem for our opponents. If 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.”

Impact on Arsenal and the title race

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly and David Raya of Arsenal look dejected following the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Rodri’s absence could prove to be a significant factor in the Premier League title race, and Arsenal may be one of the biggest beneficiaries.

In recent years, Rodri has been an essential figure in City’s midfield, acting as the anchor that connects their defensive line to their attacking one. Without him, City’s balance and control in midfield may suffer, a weakness that Arsenal and other title contenders could look to exploit.

Historically, Manchester City has struggled when Rodri has been absent. Last season, they dropped points in several matches without him, highlighting his influence on their performance.

Rodri arrives in Spain for further assessment

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Rodri of Manchester City leaves the pitch following an injury during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Reports confirm that Rodri has arrived in Spain for further assessments on his knee, with sources indicating that he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Spanish media outlet Marca has stated that the diagnosis points to a torn ACL in his right knee, although a definitive diagnosis is expected after more extensive testing in Madrid.

Dr. Rajpal Brar, a specialist in sports medicine, has explained that hands-on testing is highly reliable when it comes to ACL injuries, and the MRI tests usually serve as a confirmation of the initial diagnosis.

Unfortunately for City, the early indications suggest that Rodri’s injury is as serious as initially feared.