Rodri Faces Extended Absence After Sustaining Knee Ligament Injury in Arsenal Clash

Manchester City has confirmed that midfielder Rodri sustained a significant ligament injury to his right knee during the recent Premier League match against Arsenal. The injury occurred in the 21st minute of the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Rodri was forced to leave the field after a collision with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey while contesting a corner kick.

Initial assessments suggest that Rodri may have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, which could potentially sideline him for the remainder of the season. Following preliminary tests in Manchester, Rodri has traveled to Spain for further evaluation by a specialist.

The club stated that ongoing assessments are being conducted to determine the full extent of the injury and the expected recovery timeline. City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “We still don’t have a definitive diagnosis, but he will be out for an extended time—quite a while.” Guardiola emphasized Rodri’s importance to the team, calling him “irreplaceable” and expressing confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt in his absence.

Rodri has been instrumental in Manchester City’s success, having played a crucial role in their recent achievements, including winning Euro 2024 with Spain. His absence is expected to be a significant blow for City as they pursue their fifth consecutive Premier League title.

The team currently leads the league table with 13 points from five matches.The club and fans alike are hopeful for a speedy recovery for Rodri, who was recently named player of the tournament at Euro 2024 and is considered a strong contender for the upcoming Ballon d’Or. As Manchester City prepares for their next fixtures, they will need to find effective strategies to cope without their star midfielder.