Manchester City could face the rest of the season without their star midfielder, Rodri, after he suffered a serious knee injury during their 2-2 draw against Arsenal on September 22. The Spanish midfielder, who was a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or, went down clutching his right knee in the first half after stumbling while making a run to the near post during a corner kick.
Rodri was helped off the field by City’s medical team and was replaced by Mateo Kovacic, who later played a part in John Stones’ dramatic equalizer in the 98th minute. Following the game, both manager Pep Guardiola and defender Manuel Akanji expressed uncertainty about the severity of Rodri’s injury. However, reports from The Athletic and ESPN have since confirmed that the injury is serious.
Rodri’s injury status: Could be out for the season
According to The Athletic, Rodri has been ruled out for a significant period, though further tests are needed to determine the full extent of the injury. ESPN reported that Rodri has suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear and is expected to undergo surgery in Barcelona, likely performed by Dr. Ramon Cugat, a trusted surgeon for Guardiola in cases of severe injuries.
First start after Euro 2024 hamstring issue
The match against Arsenal was Rodri’s first Premier League start of the season following a hamstring injury he picked up during Spain’s Euro 2024 final win against England.
Rodri’s workload concerns and comments on player strikes
Rodri’s injury comes after he publicly voiced concerns over the increasing workload on footballers due to the packed schedule. In an interview earlier in the week, he hinted at the possibility of players striking, stating that the current load of 70-80 games per season is unsustainable. He stressed that player fatigue affects performance and called for more rest to maintain the quality of football.
Man City’s record without Rodri
Rodri’s absence could be a huge blow for Manchester City, especially considering their past performance without him. Last season, City lost just three Premier League games, all of which Rodri missed due to suspension. His 74-match unbeaten streak across all competitions ended with the team’s loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup final in May.
This season, however, City has managed to perform well in Rodri’s absence, securing wins against Chelsea, Ipswich Town, and West Ham. Guardiola has relied on Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and Rico Lewis to fill the gap in midfield.
Rodri’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or
Rodri is one of the top contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, competing with Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. His role has been pivotal in Manchester City’s Premier League dominance, and he was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. His iconic goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League final last season cemented his status as one of the world’s best midfielders. However, this injury could impact his chances of securing the prestigious award.
Rodri’s recovery could take six to nine months, and with the UEFA Champions League final scheduled for May 31, it’s possible he could miss the rest of the season. For now, City’s chances of continuing their successful campaign will rest on how well they can cope without their midfield maestro.
