Manchester City’s title hopes have been dealt a major blow with the news that star 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 on Sunday after going down holding his right knee. Tests on Monday confirmed the devastating diagnosis, according to reports in Spain.
Rodri’s absence would be a significant setback for City, who are aiming to win a fifth consecutive Premier League title and reclaim the Champions League. The former Atletico Madrid player has been a key figure in City’s recent success, losing just one of his last 84 games for club and country. He has even been touted as a potential Ballon d’Or winner this year.
“Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise Rodri stays there,” City boss Pep Guardiola said after the Arsenal match. “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 short of cover for Rodri, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the middle of Guardiola’s midfield. Mateo Kovacic has deputised in the holding midfield role early in the season, but Rodri’s experience and quality will be sorely missed.
The injury is also a concern for Spain, who are preparing for the 2024 European Championship. Rodri has been a key player for Spain in recent years, and his absence would be a major blow to their hopes of success.
Rodri’s injury highlights the growing concerns over player welfare in football. The Spaniard played over 5,000 minutes in 63 games for City and Spain last season, and he has warned that leading players could go on strike over an ever-expanding schedule.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer,” he said on the increasing physical and mental demands placed on players. “Someone has to take care of us because we are the main characters of this, let’s say, sport, or business, whatever you want to call it.”
City face Watford in the League Cup on Tuesday, little over 48 hours after the Arsenal match. It remains to be seen how Guardiola will cope without his star midfielder, but it is clear that Rodri’s injury is a major setback for City’s hopes of success this season.
