New Delhi: Manchester City have been dealt a significant blow with the news that their influential midfielder, Rodri, will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury. The 28-year-old suffered the injury during City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal and has undergone surgery, confirming he will not return until the next campaign. This news comes at a critical time, especially with City eyeing another Premier League title and deep runs in cup competitions.
Rodri’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, as he has been a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s side since joining from Atletico Madrid. The midfielder has been instrumental in City’s dominance, and his ability to control the tempo of games and shield the defence has been irreplaceable. Last season, City lost four of the five games he missed, which highlights just how crucial he is to the team.
Pep Guardiola confirmed the worst, saying, “This season is over for him. We’ll support him in his recovery step by step.” The injury is not just a physical setback but a huge blow to City’s aspirations this season. Having already voiced concerns about the intense match schedule and the risk it poses to player fitness, Rodri’s injury underscores the dangers of a packed calendar.
Who is the possible Rodri replacement?
🚨BREAKING🚨
Manchester City FC have released a public statement regarding Spain midfielder Rodri, who is said to have picked up a “knee ligament” injury. 😬
How impactful his absence going to be? Comment below! 👇
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Replacing Rodri is no easy task. The Spaniard has been the heart of City’s midfield since his arrival in 2019, and Guardiola himself admitted, “We don’t have a similar player.” This leaves City in a tricky situation, especially with many key matches still to come.
Kalvin Phillips is the natural choice within the squad, but he has struggled to cement his place in the team. Despite his credentials as a holding midfielder, Guardiola has often looked elsewhere, and with Phillips currently on loan, he won’t be available until January.
Other options include Mateo Kovacic, who could take on a deeper role in midfield. Though not a traditional holding midfielder, Kovacic has the tactical awareness and technical ability to play the position. Guardiola might also look to John Stones, who has been deployed in a more advanced role from defence on occasion. His versatility could be key in these challenging months.
The absence of Kevin De Bruyne complicates things further. The Belgian, sidelined with his own injury, often drops deeper to support the midfield when needed, and without him, the options are thin. Rico Lewis, a promising youngster, has been tipped by Guardiola to fill various roles, but asking a 19-year-old to replace someone of Rodri’s calibre might be too much too soon.
City could also look towards the January transfer window to bring in reinforcements. With Rodri’s season confirmed as over, and given the impact of his absence on City’s form, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the club make a move for a defensive midfielder.
For now, Guardiola and his team will have to find a collective solution, as the City boss pointed out, “The others can all together replace what Rodri has given since his arrival.” Rodri’s absence makes it complicated and tough for the defending PL champions to maintain their dominant track record amidst the hungry competition poised by Arsenal and Liverpool for the top spot.
Rodri’s absence has come at the worst possible time, and his warning about player injuries due to a congested schedule feels more relevant than ever. With City already losing four games without him last season, the coming months will test the squad’s depth and Guardiola’s tactical flexibility.
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