Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Spanish midfielder Rodri will be out for “a long time” after sustaining a serious knee injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
The 25-year-old went down under minimal contact just 21 minutes into the match, raising immediate concerns among teammates and fans. Initial assessments suggested an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a diagnosis that could sideline him for several months.
“We still don’t have the definitive answer,” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. “He will be out for a long time. But there are some opinions that it will be less than we expect. Right now, I cannot tell you. We are waiting for the last phone calls and the type of surgery he needs. Tonight or tomorrow we will know.”
Rodri has been instrumental in Manchester City’s recent successes since joining from Atletico Madrid in July 2019. His role as a playmaker has helped the club secure four Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy. His impressive performances have also made him a contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
The absence of Rodri is a significant blow to City as they navigate a challenging fixture schedule in both domestic and European competitions. Fans worldwide will be watching closely for updates on his recovery and the impact on the team’s performance.
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Manchester City manager Guardiola: Rodri will be out for 'a long time'
cgtn.com