Rodri out for rest of Manchester City’s season?
|Published
AG KNEE: Rodri went down v Arsenal
Manchester City midfielder Rodri could miss the rest of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 28-year-old limped off during City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday after going down holding his right knee.
ESPN and Spanish sports daily Marca reported that tests on Monday have confirmed an ACL tear.
Rodri’s loss would be a huge blow to City’s hopes of winning a fifth consecutive Premier League title and ambitions of reclaiming the Champions League.
The former Atletico Madrid player has lost just one of his last 84 games for club and country.
He has been touted as a potential Ballon d’Or winner this year after his influential role in City’s latest Premier League title and Spain’s success at Euro 2024.
After their 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, Pep Guardiola said: “Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise Rodri stays there.
“He’s the best holding midfielder in the world, he is a potential Ballon d’Or winner. I would love for him to win [the Ballon d’Or].”
City were already light in cover for Rodri and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the middle of Guardiola's midfield.
Mateo Kovacic deputised as holding midfielder earlier in the season as Rodri recovered after Euro 2024.