Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City midfielder Rodri will be sidelined for some time, but the club is still waiting for a definitive diagnosis on the severity of his knee injury. Rodri flew to Spain on Monday to consult specialist Dr Ramon Cugat, and reports there have suggested he could miss the rest of the season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Guardiola, however, refused to confirm those claims, stating on Tuesday: “We’re still waiting for the decision of the doctors, exactly what he has. When we know it, the club or myself will announce it.”
The injury occurred in the first half of City’s tempestuous 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, a match that saw the defending champions drop points against their title rivals. The loss of Rodri, widely regarded as a world-class midfielder, is seen as a major blow to City’s hopes of winning a record fifth consecutive Premier League title. Former Arsenal player Paul Merson described the absence as “major,” telling Sky Sports: “He gets into every other football team in the world. There’s not many who can say that, and he is one of them.”
City were back in action just two days after the Arsenal match, facing Watford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. Guardiola noted the quick turnaround in his programme notes, writing: “It has given us very little time to recover and prepare, but it is what it is.” Despite the schedule, City took an early lead through Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes before half-time.
Rodri’s injury adds to City’s midfield concerns as they navigate a busy fixture list. Guardiola has not yet provided a timeline for the player’s return, but the club is expected to make a formal announcement once the full extent of the damage is known.
