Manchester City midfielder Rodri was forced off with a hamstring injury during the first half of Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford, casting a shadow over his team's narrow victory.
The 29-year-old Spain international, who had only recently returned from a long-term injury, was replaced by Nico Gonzalez after 20 minutes. Rodri appeared frustrated as he sat on the turf shaking his head before hobbling down the tunnel.
Manager Pep Guardiola had previously warned that Rodri needed careful management after missing most of last season. "He can't play 90 minutes in many games," Guardiola said before the match. "The real Rodri, we'll see him at the 2026 World Cup."
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer offered cautious optimism, noting that his own hamstring tear kept him out for only 12 days. The extent of Rodri's injury remains unclear, but the Ballon d'Or winner will undergo further assessment.
